China is promoting automated ports, artificial intelligence and digital shipping systems as tools to modernize global trade, but Western officials and analysts warn that Beijing’s expanding technology exports could increase its leverage over trade networks. China has 60 automated terminals, more than any other country, and aims to reach 90 by 2030. Its equipment is already being deployed abroad, while China Merchants Port says it has replaced foreign terminal operating systems at Brazil’s Paranagua port and installed its system in Sri Lanka, Greece, Italy and Turkey. The push comes ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen on November 18-19, where China has proposed leading work on electronic bills of lading and AI-powered customs databases. Concerns over software influence have intensified after the collapse of LOGINK, a China-backed shipping data platform that Washington had viewed as a potential strategic risk.