China COSCO Shipping Group said it has noted foreign media reports citing
anonymous US officials alleging COSCO vessels carry ‘‘covert equipment’’ to
intercept military communications and collect intelligence. The company said
those allegations have no factual basis and it strongly rejects them. It said
communications, navigation, security and operational equipment on its commercial
ships are used for navigation safety, ship‑to‑shore contact and emergency
response in normal commercial operations, and that there is no use of merchant
vessels to eavesdrop on military communications or gather intelligence. China
COSCO Shipping said it opposes misinformation that harms its brand or disrupts
its international operations and reserves the right to seek legal protection of
its reputation.
