South Korean president's power move backfires as parliament fights back
A sudden martial-law declaration in South Korea leads to nationwide chaos and quick parliamentary response. Meanwhile China hits back at US trade limits and Biden makes his first Africa stop
In an un-expected move Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial-law in South Korea (which hasnt happened since the 80s) causing nation-wide shock and dis-order.
I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces
The short-lived decree banned political acts protests and media freedom — while ordering medical staff to end their long-running strike. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung and even Yoonʼs party chief Han Dong-hoon quickly showed dis-approval
- Military vehicles appeared on streets
- Media got put under strict control
- Medical workers got 48-hrs ultimatum
- Korean won dropped to 2-year low
The National Assembly met in an emergency session where 190 members voted to cancel the order; Yoon had no choice but accept their decision
In other news China announced new limits on tech-mineral exports to US (including gallium germanium and anti-mony) as pay-back for recent semi-conductor restrictions. The move affects key materials needed for tech and defense industries
Joe Biden made his first sub-saharan Africa trip starting in Angola — focusing on a $3-billion railway project to counter Chinese influence in the region. “The United States is all in on Africa“ he told Angolan leader João Lourenço
Israeli forces hit Lebanon with air-strikes that killed 11 people — the biggest attack since last weeks cease-fire started. Both sides blame each-other for breaking the deal; though US officials say the truce mostly holds
Lastly a woman who snuck onto a Paris flight without ticket now cant get home due to her un-ruled behavior during attempted return
