CCP selling TikTok to Musk?

Hi Global Recap readers,

Yes, you read that right.

Reports are suggesting the CCP might consider selling TikTok to Musk if the US Supreme Court upholds the ban. Understandably, this has left many left-leaning users freaking out online.

But before diving into that, let’s first talk about this wild story from the weekend, which, not surprisingly, also involves Musk. 👇️

🇬🇧 UK
Former MP Arrested in
Citizen Pedophile Sting

Ivor Caplin, a former Labour MP, was arrested in a sting operation by citizen pedophile hunters. The video of his arrest, showing him handcuffed and bewildered, has gone viral on social media.

Arrest

Caplin was detained by Sussex Police on January 11, 2025.

• He was arrested on suspicion of having sexual communication with a minor.

• The arrest followed a sting operation by citizen pedophile hunters.

Caplin's Background

Caplin has a long history in British politics.

• He was born in Brighton and educated at Brighton College of Technology and King Edward's School.

• He entered politics in 1997, representing Hove as a Member of Parliament.

Previous Allegations

Caplin has faced serious allegations before.

• He was suspended from the Labour Party in June 2024 due to undisclosed allegations.

• He recently criticized Elon Musk on British television for comments about Keir Starmer.

Police Statement

Sussex Police confirmed the arrest and ongoing investigation.

• They acknowledged the footage circulating on social media.

• Caplin remains in custody as the investigation continues.

🇨🇳 CHINA
China Considers Selling
TikTok to Musk

China is reportedly discussing plans to sell TikTok’s US operations to none other than… Elon Musk.

The Contingency Plan

The Chinese government is exploring several options, including selling TikTok’s US business to Elon Musk.

• The US Supreme Court is deciding whether to uphold a law that could ban TikTok in the US.

• The law requires ByteDance to divest TikTok’s US business by January 19, 2025.

• If the deadline is missed, third-party Internet service providers would face penalties for supporting TikTok.

Musk’s Potential Role

Under the proposed plan, Musk would oversee both X and TikTok’s US operations.

• The plan is still preliminary, and Chinese officials haven’t decided whether to proceed.

• It’s unclear if ByteDance is aware of these discussions, but wouldn’t the CCP have more say over this matter..?

Legal and Political Context

The Supreme Court recently held oral arguments about the law potentially banning TikTok.

• President Joe Biden signed the law in April, citing national security risks.

• TikTok’s legal team argues the law violates free-speech rights.

• The Supreme Court seems to side with the government, making TikTok’s future uncertain.

Trump’s Involvement

President-elect Donald Trump might play a role in TikTok’s fate.

• Trump has flip-flopped on the TikTok ban issue.

• He recently urged the Supreme Court to delay the ban to find a “political resolution.”

• Trump’s stance shifted after meeting with Jeff Yass, a major investor in ByteDance.

🇰🇵 NORTH KOREA
North Korean Captured

I asked my Korean-speaking acquaintance to check out that interview with the captured North Korean soldier in Ukraine. He pointed out how unusually sympathetic the tone of the interrogator and word choice were, while also trying to “appear tough and mean” by not using honorifics.

Take a look at the video President Zelenskyy released. It was translated by another user and double-checked by my source. 👆️ 

Captured Soldiers' Confusion

Two North Korean soldiers, captured by Ukraine, appeared bewildered and unaware of their true mission in Ukraine.

• One soldier thought he was just being sent for training—he didn’t even realize he was in Ukraine.

• At one point, a soldier reveals that even his parents have no clue he’s been deployed—some “Great Leader” Kim is, if true.

• He even expressed a desire to stay in Ukraine.

Heavy Casualties

North Korean troops are facing significant losses in the war.

• South Korea's National Intelligence Service estimates that 300 North Korean soldiers were killed and 2,700 wounded.

• The White House suggests even higher casualties.

Government Secrecy

However, North Korea has not even acknowledged its troops' involvement in the war.

• The deployment and large shipments of weapons to Russia have not been publicized.

• North Korean soldiers were urged to end their own lives rather than be captured.

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Gaza Truce Deal
Nears Completion

After a midnight breakthrough, mediators presented Israel and Hamas with a final draft of a ceasefire deal.

With this, Hamas is set to release 33 hostages as part of a new ceasefire agreement being finalized in Doha. This marks the first phase of a deal that could potentially end the ongoing conflict.

Midnight Breakthrough

• The final draft was presented by Qatar to both sides.

• Israel believes most of the 33 hostages are alive, though some bodies may be among those released.

• The initial ceasefire will last 42 days.

• Hamas and its allies still hold 94 hostages, with at least 34 confirmed dead.

High-Level Involvement

Top US officials are actively involved in the negotiations.

• Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, expressed optimism about closing the deal.

Hostage Release

The deal includes provisions for the release of hostages.

• Up to 33 hostages may be released as part of the agreement.

• Israeli and Hamas delegations received the draft in Qatar.

Ongoing Negotiations

Further talks are planned to finalize the remaining details.

• Another round of talks is scheduled in Doha on Tuesday morning.

• Both sides report progress on core issues.

🇪🇬 EGYPT
HTS Member Now
Targets Egypt’s President

Ahmed Al-Mansour, an Egyptian fighter with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is now ramping up his social media campaign against Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, with the establishment of “The 25 January Revolutionaries Movement."

Using the hashtag “It’s your turn, Dictator,” Al-Mansour is rallying Egyptians to rise up against Sisi’s nearly 11-year rule.

Who Is He?

Al-Mansour recently fought with HTS to overthrow Bashar al-Assad in Syria.

• He joined the Syrian rebels in 2013 after Sisi’s coup in Egypt.

• Al-Mansour witnessed the infamous Rabaa Square massacre, ordered by then-Defense Minister Al-Sisi, which played a key role in his decision to join the rebellion. The killings left between 1,000 and 2,600 dead.

Social Media Campaign

Al-Mansour is calling for Egyptians to overthrow Sisi.

• Uses the hashtag “It’s your turn, Dictator” on social media.

• He is posting daily on his X account, urging Egyptians to reignite the revolution.

• He’s also demanding that Sisi resign and release the political prisoners.

• Al-Mansour believes the time is ripe for Egyptians to rise up.

Government Response

Naturally, this has caught the attention of Egyptian authorities, who are now on high alert. Surely, they don’t want to end up like Assad.

• Egyptian Minister of Interior Mahmoud Tawfik met with top security officials.

• Its security forces arrested Syrians celebrating Assad’s fall in Giza.

• However, Sisi maintains innocence, claiming his hands are “not stained with anyone’s blood.”

Sisi’s Regime

Sisi’s rule has been criticized for its extreme authoritarianism and violence.

• Human rights groups document massacres, mass executions, and torture.

• Economic conditions are worsening with austerity reforms and increased taxes.