ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - June 24, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - June 24, 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

• Japan Sanctions China-Based Firms Over Supporting War in Ukraine
• China Calls for Death Sentence of Taiwan Separatists for Secession Cases
• Niger Revokes Permit for French Uranium Mine Operator

Japan Sanctions China-Based Firms Over Supporting War in Ukraine

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced trade restrictions against firms in China over their alleged support for Russia’s war on Ukraine. It was the first time that Japan targeted China-based companies over their alleged links to the war. Under the new sanctions, Japanese companies are banned from exporting goods to a host of sanctioned firms, including Hong Kong-based Asia Pacific Links Ltd., which provided microchips for Russian drones, and Shenzhen's Yilufa Electronics Limited. The sanctions are in line with the previous measures imposed by other countries, including the United States, which broadened its sanctions targeting over 300 individuals and firms accused of aiding Russia’s war. Japan is a key technology exporter, especially for items that Russia can no longer easily access. Many Japanese firms are likely to benefit from the illicit trade, however.

China Calls for Death Sentence of Taiwan Separatists for Secession Cases

China’s Supreme People’s Court issued guidance that Taiwan independence separatists could face the death penalty in extreme secession cases. Under the guidance, those who organized, planned, or commanded separatist activities, or those directly involved in conducting the activities, could be jailed for ten years to life. Additionally, those who severely endangered the state and the people could warrant the death penalty. The guideline was effective immediately and came one month after the inauguration of Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, whom China sees as a separatist. China’s guideline is in line with the existing 2005 Anti-Secession Law, providing a legal framework for China to use law enforcement to guard against pro-independence forces in Taiwan. However, the guideline may have little practical effect as Chinese courts do not have jurisdiction in Taiwan, whose government rejects China’s sovereignty claims. The guidance would likely only come into force in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. It could, however, apply to thousands of Taiwanese residents who actively vote in support of an independent Taiwan.

Niger Revokes Permit for French Uranium Mine Operator

Niger's military junta revoked permission for French firm Orano to develop the Imouraren uranium mine. Imouraren sits on an estimated 200,000 tons of uranium, the largest deposit in Africa and the second largest worldwide. Production at Imouraren was set to begin in 2015, but was halted after a decline in global uranium prices. Niger had warned Orano it would revoke the company's permit to operate Imouraren if it did not resume work by June 15, 2024. Imouraren announced it restarted work on June 11, but the government still withdrew the permit. Since Niger's junta took power, Russia has been courting the government to adopt favorable policies towards Russia. Access to valuable rare earth metals is one of Russia's main priorities in Africa, and Russia is likely eyeing the Imouraren mine. Niger's decision to revoke Orano's permit could open the possibility for a Russian firm to operate the mine.