Business · Companies · 5 hrs ago
China pushes high-tech ports to gain an edge in global trade
China is expanding automated ports and digital shipping systems to gain an advantage in global trade.
Its port network includes driverless trucks, remote-controlled cranes and AI systems, with 60 automated terminals, more than any other country, according to its transport ministry.
Ports move more than 80% of goods traded worldwide by volume, making control of their technology strategically important.
US officials and analysts warn that reliance on Chinese systems could give Beijing leverage or create security risks, though China presents the technology as a way to improve trade.
China plans to increase its automated terminals to 90 by 2030, while its companies are also selling port technology overseas.
Ahead of the APEC summit in Shenzhen on Nov.
18-19, China has proposed leading work on digital cargo documents and AI-powered customs databases.
China is promoting automated ports and digital shipping systems to gain an advantage in global trade.
Its Mawan Terminal in Shenzhen uses driverless trucks, remote-controlled cranes and AI-powered systems.
China says it has 60 automated terminals and aims to have 90 by 2030.
Western officials and analysts warn that exporting Chinese port technology could create strategic dependence and security risks.
Beijing is proposing work on digital shipping documents and AI-powered customs databases ahead of the APEC summit in Shenzhen.
- Who
- China is promoting high-tech ports and shipping systems. Western officials and analysts have raised concerns about the risks.
- What
- China is expanding port automation and seeking to promote its shipping technology overseas.
- When
- The report was published on Nov 10, 2026. The APEC summit in Shenzhen is scheduled for Nov 18-19.
- Where
- China, including the ports of Shenzhen and Qingdao; Chinese port technology is also used at Felixstowe in Britain.
- Why
- China says smart ports can improve trade and efficiency. Beijing also says early digital transformation can give countries an advantage in port and shipping competition.
China
Western officials and analysts
Purpose
China
China presents smart ports as a way to boost trade and efficiency.
Western officials and analysts
They fear exporting the technology could give Beijing greater leverage.
Risks
China
China’s transport ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the story.
Western officials and analysts
Isaac Kardon warned of strategic dependence, economic coercion, spying or disruption of trade networks.
Reuters revealed the quiet collapse of LOGINK, a China-backed shipping data platform.
China’s transport ministry published an editorial saying the first to complete digital transformation would gain an advantage in port and shipping competition.
The Straits Times published its report on China’s high-tech port ambitions.
The APEC summit is scheduled to take place in Shenzhen.
China aims to have 90 automated terminals.
- Automated terminals in China
- 60, according to China’s transport ministry
- China’s target
- 90 automated terminals by 2030
- Container handling at Qianwan
- Each crane can handle 61 containers an hour, according to the terminal
- APEC summit
- Shenzhen, Nov 18-19
- Port using Westwell trucks
- Felixstowe, Britain
What people are saying
It’s a very uncomfortable dependence, and it’s one that could have major strategic downsides
Whoever completes the digital transformation first will gain the upper hand in the next round of global port and shipping competition