ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 19, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 19, 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

• Libya's Rival Governments Host Talks in Morocco Over Election Disputes
• Vanuatu Earthquake Causes Destruction; New Zealand Sends Aid
• Canada to Impose More Tariffs on Chinese Imports Beginning 2025

Libya's Rival Governments Host Talks in Morocco Over Election Disputes

On December 18, 2024, Libya's rival western and eastern governments resumed negotiations in Bouznika, Morocco, in an attempt to resolve disputes over hosting elections. The eastern-based High Council of State, which is based in the capital Tripoli, and the western Benghazi-based House of Representatives have experienced major clashes throughout Libya since the previous leader Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown in 2011. Tensions between the rival governments recently delayed elections in December 2021 due to a lack of trust concerning political candidates chosen for the election. The talks will be aimed at resolving the disputes to allow for peaceful elections in Libya in the future.

Vanuatu Earthquake Causes Destruction; New Zealand Sends Aid

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck Vanuatu on December 17, 2024, causing at least 14 deaths and 200 injuries. Landslides have cut off certain areas from contact, but the focus of relief efforts is in the capital, where building collapses have pinned individuals inside destroyed structures. New Zealand is sending aid, including 34 Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) personnel, to assist in rescue efforts.

Canada to Impose More Tariffs on Chinese Imports Beginning 2025

Canada’s mid-year fiscal update announced that it decided to impose tariffs on imports of certain solar products and critical minerals from China starting in 2025. Duties on semiconductors, permanent magnets, and natural graphite will then go into force in 2026. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government previously placed a 100 percent tariff on all Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) and a 25 percent tariff on imports of Chinese steel and aluminum products. These measures also came as the U.S. raised tariffs on imports of Chinese solar wafers, polysilicon, and tungsten products last week. China will likely retaliate with a broader ban on critical materials to the U.S. and Canada.