Three US House subcommittee chairs are calling for increased inspections of vessels operated by Chinese state-owned carrier COSCO Shipping on US trade routes.

Earlier this month, the Journal of Commerce reported that three representatives, who are also the Republican chairs of House subcommittees covering China, intelligence, and maritime and transport matters, have urged the Department of Homeland Security to step up checks on COSCO ships.

Their request particularly concerns vessels serving US ports regularly.

In a letter to Homeland Security, the representatives said that some COSCO vessels should lose their reduced inspection status with the US Coast Guard.

Their intervention follows allegations that the ships had been used for espionage while in US ports, a claim that COSCO rejects.

Meanwhile, the port fees regulation on Chinese-linked ships has regained new attention this week.

The Trump administration is proposing a further two-month extension to the suspension of port fees affecting China-linked vessels.

The measure is part of continuing negotiations between Washington and Beijing regarding China’s position in global shipbuilding.

The existing pause is due to end on 9 November 2026. Under the proposal, the suspension would instead remain in place from 10 November 2026 until 9 January 2027.

During the extended period, shipping companies would not face port-fee liabilities.

Additionally, the suspension would continue to apply to Chinese-owned, Chinese-operated and Chinese-built vessels calling at US ports, certain foreign-built vehicle carriers, and specified duties covering ship-to-shore cranes and cargo-handling equipment.