ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 19, 2023

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 19, 2023

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• Major Shipping Carriers Avoiding Red Sea Amid Escalating Houthi Attacks; Security Task Force Details Imminent
• China Pressures Taiwan With Trade Accusations and Warplanes Ahead of Election in January 2024
• Putin Warns of “Problems” With Finland

Major Shipping Carriers Avoiding Red Sea Amid Escalating Houthi Attacks; Security Task Force Details Imminent

Major shipping companies are re-routing vessels to avoid the Red Sea as Yemen’s Houthi rebels step up missile and drone attacks against cargo ships. Operators including Maersk, MSC, OOCL, Hapag-Lloyd, Frontline, Evergreen, Equinor, Euronav, and Yang Ming Marine Transport have all paused operations in the Red Sea and will likely re-route vessels around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope rather than use the Suez Canal. Additionally, British Petroleum (BP) has become the first oil major to pause Red Sea shipments. Shipping costs will likely rise given the longer distance and greater travel time to route shipments around Africa. The United States is in talks with other countries to form a multinational task force to better secure shipping routes against Houthi attacks. Sources indicate that details of that initiative may be announced on December 19.

China Pressures Taiwan With Trade Accusations and Warplanes Ahead of Election in January 2024

On December 15, 2023, China pressured Taiwan with a trade barrier investigation and warplanes in the Taiwan Strait. The moves come ahead of general elections on January 13, 2024. China’s Commerce Ministry filed disputes against Taiwan for reportedly violating World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and violating a trade deal China signed in 2010 with Taiwan. China in October already extended its trade barrier investigation to January 12, 2024, the day before the elections. Taiwan accused China of attempting to interfere with the election. This time, the dispute centers around Taiwan's restrictions on the import of more than 2,000 products from China. While all Taiwanese political parties are weary of Chinese efforts to take the island by force, some opposition parties advocate for better economic relationships with China because mainland China is a key source of revenue, particularly for Taiwan's valuable tech companies. China is likely to threaten the economic relationship to aid political candidates who call for improved ties with China.

Putin Warns of “Problems” With Finland

On December 17, 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned there will be new "problems" with Finland now that the country is a member of NATO. Putin's remarks come amid a border dispute in which Finland accuses Russia of creating an artificial migrant crisis to destabilize Finland. Putin did not specify what "problems" he envisioned arising, but worsening diplomatic relations between the two countries can be expected. Putin also announced Russia will create a new military district near the border with Finland and "concentrate a certain amount of military units there". This development likely represents a response to the structural changes in European security alliances over the past two years, rather than a direct military threat to Finland.