COSCO targeted by Pentagon for alleged ties to PLA

COSCO, the world’s largest shipping company, is among a host of Chinese shipping-related names added to a list of companies the US Department of Defense views as having links to the People’s Liberation Army.

While being on the Pentagon’s blacklist carries no specific penalties, it discourages US firms from dealing with these companies that Washington views as military entities.

Also on the Pentagon’s blacklist are China State Shipbuilding Corp (CSSC), the nation’s top shipbuilder, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), China’s top offshore explorer. Other shipping-related firms deemed military entities by the Pentagon include China International Marine Containers (CIMC), the world’s top container manufacturer, China Communications Construction Group, a major builder of ports around the world, and Sinotrans & CSC Holdings, one of China’s top shipowners.

The last time COSCO was targeted by Washington was in 2019 when its tankers were sanctioned for a few months for carrying Iranian oil, a move that quickly saw VLCC rates spike to $200,000 a day.

COSCO’s alleged ties to the PLA have drawn scrutiny from the Pentagon, raising concerns about its operations in the sea freight sector. This development could lead to heightened regulatory measures and potential disruptions in global shipping networks.

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