House Republican expresses concerns about China’s logistics management platform.
A Republican Lawmaker Urges International Port Authorities to Cut Ties with Chinese Logistics Platform
A Republican on the House China committee is calling on an international body of port authorities and port system operators to cease their promotion of a Chinese logistics information-sharing platform. The lawmaker argues that China could exploit the platform’s data for its strategic advantage.
In a letter to the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA), Rep. Michelle Steel (R-Calif.) expressed concerns about the Chinese platform called LOGINK. She highlighted that LOGINK, which was constructed and implemented by several Chinese government ministries, including transportation, commerce, and public security, has been used by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for espionage purposes.
Ms. Steel emphasized the need for the IPCSA to denounce the CCP-controlled logistics platform and for the Department of Transportation and Customs and Border Protection to develop countermeasures against LOGINK. She stated that a solution to end the CCP’s espionage campaign is long overdue.
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11/4/2023According to a report by the U.S.–China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC), LOGINK has cooperation agreements with at least 24 ports and port operators outside of China. The report also warns about China’s plans to upgrade the LOGINK platform, which would provide even greater access to global commercial data.
Ms. Steel’s letter highlights the unchecked expansion of LOGINK and its potential to give the CCP control over global trade. She warns that the CCP could efficiently identify vital transportation nodes necessary to control the movement of goods.
China launched its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013, aiming to build up its geopolitical influence along trade routes. Ms. Steel points out that the CCP currently has the ability to exploit LOGINK and gain valuable intelligence regarding supply chains and military logistics.
Legislation
Ms. Steel has introduced a bill that would require the development of an alternative to LOGINK, ensuring a secure platform that cannot be manipulated by foreign adversaries. The bill also calls for a report on possible threats to commercial operations due to the use of LOGINK.
Earlier this year, Ms. Steel introduced the Securing Maritime Data from Communist China Act, which was included in the House’s 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. The act prohibits the Pentagon from entering contracts with ports that use LOGINK.
Ms. Steel and a group of Republicans previously wrote a letter to President Joe Biden, raising concerns about LOGINK and China’s attempts to spread it globally. However, they received no response from the Biden administration.
What is Rep. Michelle Steel’s concern regarding the LOGINK platform and its potential exploitation of sensitive data?
Reat
11/5/2023
Foreign Espionage Threat
Rep. Michelle Steel’s call to sever ties with the LOGINK platform stems from her concern over the potential exploitation of sensitive data by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). She argues that allowing Chinese-controlled platforms access to international port authorities and systems could undermine national security and provide the CCP with a significant strategic advantage.
Logistics platforms play a crucial role in facilitating trade and managing supply chains. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that they are not compromised and exploited by foreign entities, particularly those with a history of state-sponsored cyber espionage activities.
LOGINK’s CCP Connection
LOGINK, the Chinese logistics information-sharing platform, has raised concerns due to its close ties to the CCP. Constructed and implemented by various Chinese government ministries, including transportation, commerce, and public security, LOGINK has been allegedly used for espionage purposes.
Given the Chinese government’s control over the platform, there are fears that valuable information regarding international trade, shipping routes, and supply chain operations could be compromised. This access to sensitive data would enable the CCP to gain valuable insights and potentially manipulate global trade dynamics to its advantage.
Countermeasures and International Cooperation
Rep. Steel has urged the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA) to denounce the CCP-controlled logistics platform. By taking a unified stance against this potential threat, the IPCSA can send a clear message that it prioritizes the security and integrity of global port systems.
Furthermore, Rep. Steel calls for the Department of Transportation and Customs and Border Protection to develop countermeasures against LOGINK. These countermeasures should include stringent regulations, robust cybersecurity measures, and heightened scrutiny of any platform with potential links to foreign governments known for their cyber espionage activities.
Conclusion
Ensuring the security and integrity of international port systems is of paramount importance. The potential exploitation of logistics platforms by foreign governments for espionage purposes poses a significant threat to global trade and national security.
By denouncing the LOGINK platform and implementing comprehensive countermeasures, international port authorities and system operators can safeguard against foreign espionage and protect the interests of their respective countries. Cooperation among nations and increased awareness regarding these threats are essential in building a secure and resilient global trade environment.
References
- Unattributed. (11/5/2023). Australia Will Not Reset Relationship with China Despite PM’s Visit: Assistant Minister. The Epoch Times.
- Unattributed. (11/5/2023). Japan, Philippines Agree to Negotiate Possible Reciprocal Access Amid China Threat. The Epoch Times.
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