Axios

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was a political novice when he became the country's conservative leader in 2022 during a closely contested election. His approval rating has dipped in recent months.

The big picture: In a shocking move, Yoon declared emergency martial law on Tuesday, citing pro-North Korean forces. The South Korean parliament subsequently voted to immediately lift Yoon's martial law declaration; he must comply under the constitution.

China-linked spies are still lurking inside U.S. telecommunications networks roughly six months after American officials started investigating the intrusions, senior officials told reporters Tuesday.

Why it matters: This is the first time U.S. officials have confirmed reports that Salt Typhoon hackers still have access to critical infrastructure — and they're proving difficult to kick out.

China's Quectel is one of the world's largest manufacturers of IoT cellular modules, a key chip component, with nearly a 40% market share. Now it's licensing out its manufacturing tech and source code to an Ohio-based startup called Eagle Electronics, in a reversal of how these cross-border relationships have traditionally worked.

Why it matters: This reflects the U.S. onshoring trend for semiconductors, which is expected to intensify if President-elect Trump makes good on his threat to put new tariffs on China-made products.

China announced Tuesday that it was banning the export of certain rare minerals to the U.S. that have military and technological applications.

Why it matters: The move is seemingly a tit-for-tat response to the Biden administration's announcement Monday of a slate of export controls on chip manufacturing equipment and software as well as other curbs on the Chinese chip industry.

President-elect Trump on Monday night reaffirmed his pledge to stop Nippon Steel's planned $15 billion purchase of U.S. Steel.

Why it matters: It's the first time he's commented on the proposed takeover by Japan's largest steelmaker since being reelected president on Nov. 5.

The Biden administration announced a new $725 million security assistance package for Ukraine on Monday that includes a provision for more land mines and precision rocket launchers.

Why it matters: President Biden has committed to a "surge" in aid for Kyiv before he leaves office, with President-elect Trump having publicly criticized military aid to Ukraine.

Israel and Lebanon both told the White House on Monday that despite the recent flare-ups on the border, they are committed to the ceasefire agreement and want it to continue, sources with knowledge of the issue said.

Why it matters: The Biden administration has been concerned the fragile ceasefire in Lebanon could unravel after Israel and Hezbollah exchanged fire in recent days, U.S. officials said.

President-elect Trump threatened on Monday that if hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are not released before his inauguration "there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge."

Why it matters: This is the first time since he won the election that Trump has weighed in publicly on the hostages that are being held in Gaza.

The Biden administration is concerned the fragile ceasefire in Lebanon could unravel after Israel and Hezbollah exchanged fire in recent days, U.S. officials say.

Why it matters: The ceasefire announced last Tuesday ended more than a year of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

President-elect Trump is turning to a Tampa-area sheriff to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration's efforts to combat the flow of fentanyl and other illegal drugs across the southern border.

Why it matters: If confirmed, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister would be the point person for containing a highly addictive man-made opioid that's a leading cause of death and frequently disguised in unexpected forms.

Stellantis chief executive Carlos Tavares resigned "with immediate effect" on Sunday, the maker of Jeep and Ram vehicles announced.

The big picture: The Italian-U.S. auto maker had faced a sales slump and Stellantis' senior independent director Henri de Castries said in a statement that "in recent weeks different views have emerged which have resulted in the Board and the CEO coming to today's decision."