Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Report Warns Chinese Devices Threaten Western Infrastructure Security
A new report says some internet-connected products made in China could create risks for Western countries.
These products include port cranes, buses, vehicles, cameras, apps, and solar inverters.
The report says some cranes may have equipment that could bypass computer defenses.
It also says certain buses could possibly be made unusable through their connected controls.
Connected products may collect information such as locations, sounds, pictures, phone details, and SIM-card identifiers.
The report warns that many solar inverters could potentially be changed at once and affect electricity grids.
It says harmful software updates could contribute to blackouts.
The report recommends that allied countries use one shared system to decide whether digital risks can be controlled.
A Center for European Policy Analysis report warns that Chinese-made connected devices could create security risks for Western infrastructure.
It says ZPMC port cranes supplied to the United States contained cellular modems capable of bypassing firewalls, gathering information, and disrupting cargo operations.
The report says Yutong buses in Oslo have connected battery and power controls that could potentially allow the manufacturer to disable them.
It raises concerns that Chinese-connected vehicles, cameras, and apps can collect location, audio, video, phone, and SIM-card data.
The report recommends that allied countries adopt Digital Strategic Exposure to assess risks across devices, cloud systems, subcontractors, and jurisdictions.
- Who
- The Center for European Policy Analysis issued the report, focusing on risks to Western countries and allied governments.
- What
- The report warns that Chinese-made connected devices and apps could enable data collection, disruption, or remote control of infrastructure.
- When
- The report’s publication date is not specified in the article.
- Where
- The concerns involve Western countries, including United States ports and buses in Oslo, Europe.
- Why
- The report says connected devices may create dangerous digital leverage if manufacturers or other actors can access, monitor, or alter them.
- Reporting organization
- Center for European Policy Analysis
- Proposed methodology
- Digital Strategic Exposure (DSE)
- Devices cited
- Port cranes, buses, connected vehicles, cameras, apps, and solar inverters
- Port equipment cited
- ZPMC cranes supplied to American ports
- Public transport example
- Yutong buses sold to Oslo
- Data concerns
- Vehicles, cameras, and apps may collect location, audio, video, phone, or SIM-card information
- Recommended response
- Allied countries should coordinate risk assessments and limit exposure where risks cannot be contained