German intelligence chiefs believe China could use stakes in critical infrastructure "as leverage to pursue political aims," amid a debate in Berlin over whether to allow the Chinese shipping company Cosco to invest in the port of Hamburg, Reuters reported.

Germany's Economics Ministry wants to veto Cosco's proposal to buy a stake in one of three terminals at Germany's most important port, while the Social Democrat (SPD) chancellery, according to government sources, supports it.

The dispute reflects a broader and sharper debate in Germany about how to reduce dependence on China, its main trading partner.

China has urged Germany not to politicize the countries' economic relations or engage in protectionism "in the name of national security."

At a parliamentary hearing that touched on a range of security issues, the heads of German foreign and domestic intelligence said they could not publicly assess Cosco's bid, but generally urged caution.

"We are very, very critical of the participation of China in critical infrastructure," Bruno Kahl, head of the Foreign Intelligence Service (BND), said at the parliamentary hearing, noting that the port should be considered critical infrastructure, so any possible investment should be examined very carefully.

Germany should expect China to use technology, including 5G infrastructure, or economic power to implement its ideas, he said. "In the case of a political disagreement between China and Germany, these instruments will be used," he said.

Thomas Haldenwang, Germany's head of domestic intelligence, said bets on critical infrastructure could also open the door to sabotage and influence public opinion. "When I speak with foreign partners about China, they always say: Russia is the storm, China is climate change," he said. "So we are going to have to brace for this climate change in the coming years."