(Jan 15): The US pressured Italy to cancel government contracts with Chinese security equipment supplier Nuctech over national security concerns, according to people familiar with the matter. The American concern is that images acquired at customs ports could be accessed by Chinese authorities, jeopardising both US and Italian national security. “All data generated by our security equipment belongs to our customers who retain full control over it,” the Nuctech representative said in an emailed statement. Italian officials told the US that it wasn’t possible to cancel the tenders because it would create legal risk as well as possible diplomatic problems with Beijing, according to the people. In a separate situation, Italy’s Pirelli & C SpA sidelined Sinochem representatives to its board last year, declaring the Chinese company no longer had control.

Source: The Edge Markets January 15, 2026 14:18 UTC