US Coast Guard reviews privileges for Chinese shipping giant COSCO

The United States Coast Guard has ordered an immediate review of vessels operated by COSCO Shipping following concerns regarding espionage. Three senior Republican lawmakers—John Moolenaar, Rick Crawford, and Carlos Gimenez—sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding the revocation of COSCO’s participation in the Qualship 21 program.

Qualship 21 is a program designed to reward high-performing foreign vessel operators with operational benefits, including reduced routine Coast Guard inspections. Lawmakers allege that COSCO, a state-owned company identified by the Pentagon as having military ties, may be using its vessels to conduct surveillance. Specifically, the letter cites reports that these ships are equipped with concealed technology capable of intercepting sensitive military communications and encryption developments near American coastlines.

As of July 2026, at least 10 COSCO vessels were reportedly enrolled in the program. The congressional demand requests that the Department of Homeland Security refuse any future renewals for COSCO-operated vessels and increase screening measures to mitigate counterintelligence threats.