China Hacks T-Mobile

Hi Global Recap readers,

Happy weekend! I am sure those of you who have participated in yesterday’s poll will know already that this was a contentious one.

Q: “Putting the interpretation of the original agreement aside, is such a form of protest in Parliament appropriate?”

• Yes: 40%

• No: 46%

• Not sure: 14%

Here’s a quick overview of your thoughts!

• Yes: Many Kiwi readers overwhelmingly voted Yes, confirming that this is culturally and historically appropriate. This is invaluable insight for all of us non-Kiwis, thank you.

• No: On the other hand, those unfamiliar with such protests found it “cringy,” “entitled,” and “pandering.”

• Not sure: Some on the fence respect the culture but feel there are protocols to follow in institutions like Parliament.

🤔 Just adding my 2 cents here: I’m so fortunate to have such a diverse readership offering perspectives I hadn’t considered. Of course, I have my own views, but conversations like this really help expand my thinking. Thank you!

And now, onto the news of Chinese spies hacking the US. Just another normal day.👇

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
T-Mobile Hacked by Chinese Spies

T-Mobile has fallen victim to a significant cyber-espionage operation linked to Chinese intelligence, targeting multiple US and international telecom companies.

The Breach

Hackers linked to a Chinese intelligence agency breached T-Mobile's network.

• The breach was part of a months-long campaign targeting multiple US and international telecom companies.

• The operation aimed to spy on high-value intelligence targets' cellphone communications.

Impact on Customers

T-Mobile claims no evidence of customer information being impacted.

• It remains unclear what, if any, information was taken about customers' calls and communications records.

Broader Context

This breach is part of a larger pattern of Chinese cyber-espionage.

• Earlier reports indicated that other major telecom companies, including AT&T and Verizon, have also been targeted.

• The FBI and CISA confirmed that China-linked hackers intercepted surveillance data intended for US law enforcement.

Denial from Beijing

Of course, China has denied involvement in any cyber-attacks.

• Beijing has previously rejected claims of hacking foreign systems.

• The Chinese government maintains its stance against cyber-espionage. Why would they, even if they did?

🇯🇵 JAPAN
Young People Aren’t The Only Menaces

Okay, people can stop blaming Gen Z for causing mayhem overseas, because being a menace isn’t exclusive to them.

A 65-year-old American tourist, Steve Lee Hayes, was arrested in Japan for vandalizing the Meiji shrine by carving into a gate with his fingernails.

The Incident

Hayes was arrested for property damage.

• He carved the alphabet into the wooden pillar of the Meiji shrine gate in Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward.

• The Tokyo Metropolitan Police tracked him down using surveillance footage.

• The incident occurred around 11am on Tuesday, November 14, 2024.

Admission of Guilt

Hayes admitted to the vandalism, confessing that he wrote his family members’ names on the pillar. 🤦

• Hayes faces serious legal repercussions: up to three years in prison or a fine of 300,000 yen ($1,900).

Shrine Significance

The Meiji shrine holds historical importance in japan.

• Established in 1920, it commemorates Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

• Torii gates at the shrine symbolize the transition from the everyday world to the sacred.

🇬🇪 GEORGIA
Protesters Storm Abkhazia Parliament

Protesters in Abkhazia, a breakaway region of Georgia, stormed the parliament building demanding the resignation of the pro-Kremlin president, Aslan Bzhania.

The Protest

Protesters stormed the parliament in Sukhumi.

• A truck was used to smash through the metal gates.

• Protesters climbed through windows and chanted in the halls.

Demands for Resignation

So what are they so angry about?

• Protesters demanded President Bzhania's resignation.

• Initially, they opposed an investment agreement favoring wealthy Russians.

• Opposition leader Temur Gulia stated the protest evolved into a demand for Bzhania's resignation.

Government Response

Authorities are preparing to withdraw the investment agreement.

• The presidential administration announced plans to withdraw the agreement.

• Opposition leader Eshsou Kakalia said protesters would not leave until Bzhania steps down.

Russian Involvement

Russia has a vested interest in Abkhazia, and a quick glance at the map makes it clear why.

• Moscow recognized Abkhazia as independent from Georgia in 2008.

• Russian officials are monitoring the situation and advising against travel to the region.

Historical Context

Abkhazia's relationship with Russia and Georgia is complex.

• Abkhazia fought a war to avoid rejoining Georgia after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.

• More recently, Western sanctions on Russia have led wealthy Russians to seek property in Abkhazia.

International Reactions

The international community does not recognize Abkhazia's independence.

• Most nations view Abkhazia as part of Georgia.

• The West condemned Russia's recognition of Abkhazia in 2008.

🇩🇪 GERMANY
Scholz Calls Putin Amid Criticism

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin has stirred controversy, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accusing Scholz of opening a “Pandora’s box” that undermines efforts to isolate Russia.

Scholz's Call with Putin

Scholz's call on Friday with Putin was the first in two years.

• Scholz urged Putin to withdraw forces from Ukraine and begin peace talks.

• Putin emphasized Russian security interests and new territorial realities.

Zelensky's Criticism

Zelensky criticized the call, saying it weakens efforts to isolate Russia.

• Zelensky believes the call allows Russia to maintain its current policies.

• He stated that such calls bring no added value to achieving peace.

Domestic Pressure

Scholz faces pressure from Russia-friendly populist parties ahead of a snap election.

• The Social Democrats are under scrutiny for not deploying enough diplomacy.

• The snap election is scheduled for February 23.

International Reactions

The call has drawn mixed reactions from international allies.

• Some Western diplomats believe the call sends a bad signal post-Trump's election.

• Scholz plans to brief allies, including the EU and NATO, on the call's outcome.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Biden Meets Leaders of South Korea & Japan

US President Joe Biden met with South Korean and Japanese leaders to solidify diplomatic progress ahead of Donald Trump's upcoming administration, which many fear could disrupt global alliances.

Meeting Details

Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

• The meeting took place on November 15, 2024, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Lima, Peru.

• This was the first in-person meeting for the three leaders.

✍️ Remember: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba assumed office on October 1, 2024.

Key Discussions

The leaders discussed various critical issues.

• They addressed North Korea's deployment of troops to Russia and its nuclear weapons program.

• The leaders condemned North Korea and Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Trilateral Secretariat

A new Trilateral Secretariat was announced.

• This initiative aims to formalize and advance collaboration between the US, South Korea, and Japan.

• National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the importance of this formalization.

Diplomatic Achievements

Biden's efforts to foster cooperation between South Korea and Japan were highlighted.

• The two countries have a history of tension due to Japan's colonial rule of Korea from 1910 to 1945.

• Biden views this cooperation as crucial for regional stability.

Concerns About Trump's Approach

There are concerns about Trump's commitment to trilateral work.

• Trump's "America First" approach and skepticism of US support for allies raise questions.

• Historically, North Korea has made provocative moves during US presidential transitions, so we’ll have to see what games they try to play this time.