ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - May 17, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - May 17, 2024

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

• U.S. Warship Downs Houthi Missiles
• China Increases Military Incursions and Sanctions on Taiwan
• EU, US Warn Georgian Dream Against Passing Foreign Agent Bill

U.S. Warship Downs Houthi Missiles

On May 14, the American warship USS Mason shot down an anti-ship missile and several drones launched against it by Houthi rebels. American forces also conducted airstrikes on four drones that were preparing to launch from a Houthi-controlled part of Yemen. On May 16, the Houthis claimed to have targeted a merchant vessel called Destiny, which was reportedly traveling toward the Israeli port of Eilat. The U.S. military claimed that Destiny did not report any incoming attacks and all crew were safe.

China Increases Military Incursions and Sanctions on Taiwan

On May 15, China’s military staged mock attacks on foreign vessels in Taiwanese airspace ahead of Taiwan’s presidential inauguration on May 20, 2024. On May 14, 2024, 15 Chinese planes, including Su-30 jets, crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone, conducting joint combat readiness patrols together with warships. On May 11–12, about 10 Chinese vessels, including frigates and coast guard boats, were found near Taiwan, and some approached Taiwan’s contiguous zone. Expect further military moves in the run-up to the inauguration. On May 15, 2024, China announced it would sanction five Taiwanese political commentators and roll out a law to punish "separatists." The military and political moves are likely aimed at incoming president Lai Ching-te, whom China sees as a “dangerous separatist." The five sanctioned Taiwanese were accused of spreading remarks that deceived people on the island, inciting hostility and confrontation between the two sides. They would be barred from entering the mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao and prohibited from working with mainland-based organizations.

EU, US Warn Georgian Dream Against Passing Foreign Agent Bill

On May 15, the European Commission officially warned Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party against passing its proposed foreign agent legislation. In a statement, the Commission warned the bill would negatively affect Georgia's prospects of joining the European Union. US officials have also expressed concern about the bill, and warned its passage may prompt the US to reevaluate its relationship with Georgia.