ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - June 21, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - June 21, 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

• China’s New Coastguard Laws Triggers Conflict with Japan in East China Sea
• Merchant Vessel Sinks One Week After Houthi Attack
• Ecuador Faces Second Energy Issue in Recent Months After Nationwide Blackout

China’s New Coastguard Laws Triggers Conflict with Japan in East China Sea

China’s new coast guard regulations, which took effect on June 15, 2024, triggered a new conflict with Japan in the East China Sea. Under the updated regulations, China will have the authority to detain foreign nationals suspected of trespassing in the disputed waters for up to 60 days. China claims sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands (referred to as the Senkaku archipelago in Japan) in the East China Sea, while Japan currently exercises administrative control over the uninhabited islands. The new laws provide the legal framework for the Chinese coast guard to conduct law enforcement operations in Japanese waters around the Senkaku Islands, risking clashes between both sides. China has been stepping up coast guard deployment in the past few years, with dozens of Chinese fishing vessels patrolling close to the islands. For instance, the Japanese government reported for the first time that four armed Chinese coast guard vessels entered the Senkaku archipelago one week before the updated regulations came into effect.

Merchant Vessel Sinks One Week After Houthi Attack

Salvagers have confirmed the sinking of the Greek-owned merchant vessel MV Tutor one week after it was targeted in a Houthi attack. One Filipino crewmember is believed dead after going missing following the attack. The remainder of the crew was evacuated by the U.S. military in the days afterward as the ship took on water without engine power. The Tutor is the second merchant vessel sunk by the Houthis after the MV Rubymar, which sank in early March. Another vessel, the Verbena, was evacuated on June 15 and remains adrift at risk of sinking. Trade organizations have called on governments to do more to protect cargo vessels traversing the Red Sea. In the coming days, the United States and the United Kingdom may carry out additional airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in retaliation for the sinking.

Ecuador Faces Second Energy Issue in Recent Months After Nationwide Blackout

Ecuador experienced a nationwide blackout this week. The blackout was likely linked to recent heavy rains in Ecuador that caused authorities to close hydroelectric plants at risk of excessive river runoff. Just weeks earlier, Ecuador had been rationing electricity across the country because the lack of rain meant its hydroelectric plants could not operate at full capacity. Ecuador is in a state of emergency over insecurity and has few government revenues to alleviate the energy crisis, and further energy issues are likely in the coming years.