Shanghai Zhenhua | Image:Shutterstock
The cybersecurity allegations were rebutted as follows: Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries has refuted claims that its cranes pose a cybersecurity risk to U.S. ports. The denial came after a US Congressional committee raised concerns about ZPMC's collaboration with Swiss engineering group ABB in equipping shipborne cranes for the US.
In response to House Security Committee scrutiny, ZPMC emphasized its focus on addressing U.S. concerns, arguing that the report lacked sufficient fact-checking. The company said the cranes it supplies do not pose a cybersecurity threat to the port.
ABB, for its part, said it supplies control and electrical equipment to various crane manufacturers around the world, including China, and then sells the cranes directly to ports in the United States.
Tensions between the US and China in the areas of cybersecurity and industrial espionage are not new, with both countries frequently accusing each other of such activities. Earlier this year, the U.S. government revealed that it had disrupted Chinese cyber espionage efforts targeting U.S. infrastructure, following previous measures such as banning Chinese telecommunications companies and imposing restrictions on Chinese car imports due to national security concerns. An investigation has begun.
ZPMC emphasized that its cranes are used in ports around the world, including the United States, and comply with international standards and relevant laws and regulations. According to the company's website, ZPMC is one of the world's largest port machinery manufacturers listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and owns a large fleet of shipping vessels.
(according to Reuters information)
