"I am the Tong Master" - achievement. Broken?

[AutomaticAutocratic]

I was playing South Africa and tested out some alternative history and became fascist (without civil war). Needless to say, I got my rear end handed to me by Portugal in mid 1940. The sequence is as follows:

1. My core territories got annexed;
2. End game screen popped;
3. I Selected "observe";
4. Gained full control of the German AI;
5. "I am the Tong Master" triggered - achievement unlocked.

Take note:
1. I have no mods installed;
2. I did break free from the UK and became independent as required for the achievement to trigger;
3. I did not form any puppets, which is also a prerequisite for the achievement;
4. Iron man mode was active.

I will upload a screen shot in due course, although I fear it may be of little significance. Is this perhaps a bug, or did I miss some kind of subliminal puppet mechanic?