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UPI
3 days ago
- Business
- UPI
China increases presence in Brazilian ports
China is moving to consolidate control over logistical hubs in Brazil. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo June 10 (UPI) -- China is consolidating its control over critical logistical hubs in Brazil through its state-owned enterprises. Its latest move in Latin America was the acquisition of a 70% stake in Vast Infraestructura, which operates the Port of Açu's only private transshipment terminal for very large crude carriers in Rio de Janeiro. The $714 million deal puts China Merchants Port Holdings, or CMPort, in charge of a vital asset for Brazil's energy exports, as nearly 30% of the country's crude oil passes through Açu. This marks another major move by CMPort, one of the world's largest port operators and a Chinese government-backed company. In 2018, CMPort acquired 90% of TCP Participações, which operates South America's largest container terminal at the Port of Paranaguá. Beyond these direct purchases, Chinese firms are involved in projects at the Port of Santos -- Latin America's busiest port -- as well as in the construction of a new terminal in Maranhão, in northeastern Brazil. Investments are not limited to ports, but also extend to the construction of rail infrastructure to transport grains, minerals, and other commodities to Asia. Brazil is just one focus of China's global port strategy. In Peru, the Chancay mega-port, built and operated by China, is set to become a major trade hub between South America and Asia, potentially reducing reliance on the Panama Canal. Chinese state-owned enterprises are executing a broad strategy to acquire and develop port infrastructure worldwide. "This undoubtedly increases their geopolitical influence and secures vital strategic interests. It also consolidates a stronger global maritime presence and achieves effective control over crucial sea routes," said Chile's Center for Competitive Intelligence Research and Studies.
UPI
28-05-2025
- Business
- UPI
Czech Republic blames China for cyberattack on foreign ministry
A Chinese national flag flies in front of a new, modern business complex in Beijing on August 15, 2013. China's construction boom could be stalling out, according to Societe Generale, which sounded a warning last week that recent softening in demand for cement and earth-moving equipment could be an early warning sign. UPI/Stephen Shaver | License Photo May 28 (UPI) -- The Czech Republic accused China on Wednesday of being responsible for a "malicious cyber campaign" that targeted an unclassified network of the foreign ministry. Little information about the cyberattack was made public, the Czech government said it began in 2022, affected an institution designated as Czech critical infrastructure and that it was perpetrated by well-known China-backed hackers APT31. "The Government of the Czech Republic strongly condemns this malicious cyber campaign against its critical infrastructure," the Czech foreign affairs ministry said in a statement. "Such behavior undermines the credibility of the People's Republic of China and contradicts its public declarations." APT31, which stands for Advanced Persistent Threat Group 31, is a collection of China state-sponsored intelligence officers, contract hackers and support staff that conduct cyberattacks on behalf of the Chinese government. Seven Chinese nationals were charged in the United States in late March for their involvement in APT31, which federal prosecutors said has targeted U.S. and foreign critics of the Chinese government, business, and political officials over the last 14 years. The Czech government said Wednesday it tied APT31 to the cyberattack through an "extensive investigation," which "led to a high degree of certainty about the responsible actor." "The Government of the Czech Republic has identified the People's Republic of China as being responsible," it said. NATO and the European Union -- both of which Czech is a member of -- were quick to condemn China following Prague's revelation. "We stand in solidarity with the Czech Republic following the malicious cyber campaign against its Ministry of Foreign Affairs," the security alliance said in a statement. NATO did not blame China but acknowledged the Czechs' accusation of Beijing for the attack and said that it has observed "with increasing concern the growing pattern of malicious cyber activities stemming from the People's Republic of China." Similarly, the EU did not directly point the finger at China for the attack on the Czech Republic, but said there have been cyberattacks linked to Beijing targeting EU and its member stats. "In 2021, we urged Chinese authorities to take action against malicious cyber activities undertaken from their territories. Since then, several Member States have attributed similar activities at their national level," the EU's high representative, Kaja Kallas, said in a statement. "We have repeatedly raised our concerns during bilateral engagements and we will continue to do so in the future."
