Reflecting on GEOINT and SOF Week 2024: A Pivotal Moment for Innovation and Partnerships
As specialists in analytic solutions and AI within the defense sector, we eagerly anticipate the annual gatherings at GEOINT and SOF Week—key events that set the stage for the year’s technological advancements and strategic partnerships. This year, both events surpassed our expectations, offering unprecedented opportunities to showcase our innovative solutions, engage with future talent, and […]
Navigating Troubled Waters: China’s Maritime Aggression in the Asia-Pacific
Amid the ebb and flow of geopolitical currents in the Asia-Pacific, China’s maritime conduct continues to stir deepening tension. The nation’s far-reaching territorial claims, symbolized by its “nine-dash line,” have catalyzed a series of bold maneuvers across the South China Sea. The creation and fortification of artificial islands, the routine dispatch of naval patrols, and confrontations at sea remain hallmarks of China’s growing maritime footprint, directly challenging the sovereignty of nations such as Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Taiwan, while casting a shadow over the principles of freedom of navigation and overflight that anchor global commerce.
Navigating the Waters: China’s Strategic Gambit in Djibouti
China’s investments in Djibouti represent a pivotal moment for U.S. interests in a global maritime nexus. The establishment of China’s first overseas military base, coupled with expansive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects, underscores the tangible manifestations of China’s ambitions in the region. These developments are significant not only for their potential to alter regional power dynamics, but also for enabling China to project its military power more effectively and enhance its intelligence-gathering capabilities near U.S. and allied forces. Moreover, the risk of Djibouti falling into a debt trap, unable to repay Chinese loans, could lead to critical infrastructure falling under Chinese control, compounding the challenges faced by the U.S. in maintaining its influence and safeguarding its interests in this maritime corridor.
North Korea-Russia Technology Deal Could Mark a Significant Shift in Global Balance of Power
North Korea’s successful satellite launch and advanced weapons tests suggest an emergent technology sharing alliance with Russia. Following Kim Jong Un’s September 2023 meeting with Vladimir Putin, North Korea announced its first spy satellite launch and fielded new solid-fueled ballistic missiles and a nuclear underwater drone. The timing implies a reciprocal deal exchanging North Korean weapons for Russian technical aid. This burgeoning partnership marked by quid pro quo arrangements signals a tectonic shift toward a multipolar order, as Russia and North Korea cooperate to improve weapons capabilities threatening the US and allies. With global conflicts stretching Western resources, informed decision-making is critical. Contact 3GIMBALS to learn how our OMEN solution provides the intelligence needed to remain a step ahead.
Chinese Economic Investments Advance Security Cooperation in the Solomon Islands
In November 2023, the Solomon Islands plays host to the Pacific Games for the first time. The expanding economic influence of China in the Solomons, evident behind the scenes with infrastructure investments and construction for these games, reflects growing concerns for Pacific Island nations across the region. 3GIMBALS’ OMENTM solution investigates interconnections between Chinese economic investments and influence in the Pacific.
Exposing the Human Impacts of China’s Distant Water Fishing Fleet
China’s distant water fishing fleet has inflicted immeasurable harm on the global community, in particular nations across the global south. The global fish stock is in decline as China amasses a distant water fishing fleet that dwarfs its competition.
The United Nations estimates that almost 90 percent of the global marine fish stocks are depleted, over exploited or fully exploited, which is largely due to the devastating fishing practices of China’s fleet.
Tracing Illegal Logging and Influence from Peru to China
Criminal organizations and malign state actors exploit natural resources across their regions of influence. High demand for natural resources drives increased exploitation and foreign investment. 3GIMBALS recently analyzed strategic competitors’ activities and followed the flow of media, natural resources, and money to track influence.
What we found illuminates the dark truth that authorities have been hypothesizing. Our research exposes foreign investment and economic influence on natural resource exploitation by strategic competitors.