US Lawmakers Push to Strip COSCO Ships of Port Inspection Privileges

· Shipping · United States · China

Three senior House Republicans are calling on the Department of Homeland Security to revoke special inspection privileges granted to vessels operated by Chinese state-owned shipping giant COSCO, citing allegations of espionage in US ports. The heads of three subcommittees also urged the Coast Guard to increase inspections of COSCO ships used on US services, following a recent media report quoting Trump administration officials accusing the China-backed carrier of espionage. The moves reflect growing scrutiny of Chinese maritime influence in US ports and could lead to operational disruptions for COSCO vessels calling at American terminals.

Why it matters：Targeting COSCO's inspection privileges escalates US-China maritime tensions, potentially disrupting a major carrier's US operations and setting a precedent for tighter scrutiny of foreign state-owned shipping lines.

Key points

  • Three House subcommittee heads seek revocation of COSCO inspection privileges.
  • They also urge Coast Guard to increase inspections of COSCO ships.
  • Action follows media report alleging COSCO espionage in US ports.

Sources (original reporting)

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