Xi Jinping jokes about spying while gifting Xiaomi phones to South Korea's president
Photo: Chinese leader Xi Jinping (Getty Images)
During the APEC summit in South Korea, Chinese leader Xi Jinping made a lighthearted remark about espionage while presenting South Korean President Lee Jae Myung with Xiaomi smartphones, jokingly suggesting he "check if there is a backdoor," The Guardian reports.
At the APEC summit, an unusually lighthearted moment for Chinese President Xi Jinping drew attention when he joked about cybersecurity and espionage, topics that usually heighten diplomatic tension.
Gift exchange
During a ceremonial gift exchange with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Xi presented him with a pair of Xiaomi smartphones featuring Korean-made displays.
As Lee accepted the gift, he smiled and asked, "Is the communication line secure?"
Xi, known for his typically reserved demeanor, laughed after hearing the translation and replied, "You should check if there is a backdoor."
The quip, a reference to long-standing concerns about potential "backdoors" in Chinese-made technology, prompted laughter and applause from those present.
According to Kim Nam Jung, a representative of the South Korean president, the exchange reflected a genuinely warm and friendly atmosphere between the leaders.
"From welcoming ceremonies and gift exchanges to a banquet and cultural performances, both leaders had multiple opportunities to engage and build personal chemistry," Kim said. "If it weren’t for such chemistry, that kind of joke would not have been possible."
The scene, captured on camera, quickly went viral in South Korea, where media described it as a "rare display of humor and humanity" from the Chinese leader.
Xi also received gifts from Lee, a carved Go board and a mother-of-pearl inlaid tray. A known fan of the ancient strategy game, Xi called the gift "exquisite."
The meeting in Gyeongju marked Xi’s first visit to South Korea in over a decade, symbolizing renewed efforts to improve bilateral relations after years of political chill.
Sensitive context
Despite the levity, concerns over Chinese technology security remain a sensitive issue globally. The United States has repeatedly warned allies that Chinese smartphones and apps could contain hidden features allowing unauthorized data access.
Beijing, in turn, denies such accusations, calling them political manipulation.
The Xi–Lee exchange comes amid broader diplomatic activity, as China continues to emphasize that trade and economic cooperation should remain the foundation of its international relations, including with the US, to promote stability and global problem-solving.
