Archive · 2 Nov 2025
Xi Jinping Jokes About
The leader of China, Xi Jinping, visited the leader of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung.
During their meeting, President Xi gave President Lee some new phones made by a Chinese company called Xiaomi.
When they were exchanging gifts, President Lee asked about the phones' security.
President Xi laughed and said they should 'check if there’s a backdoor.'
A backdoor is like a secret way into a computer system that shouldn't be there.
This joke touched on worries people have about the security of technology.
They also talked about other important things like North Korea and working together on global challenges.
Chinese President Xi Jinping gifted South Korean President Lee Jae Myung Xiaomi smartphones during a state visit.
Xi Jinping jokingly told Lee to "check if there’s a backdoor" on the phones, referencing security concerns.
The exchange occurred during a summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, following the APEC forum.
President Lee had previously asked about communication security, prompting laughter from the leaders.
The gift exchange also included a wooden board for the game Go and a traditional Korean tray from President Lee to President Xi.
- Who
- Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung
- What
- Exchanged gifts, with Xi Jinping gifting Xiaomi smartphones and jokingly referencing 'backdoor' security concerns.
- When
- Saturday, following the APEC forum
- Where
- Gyeongju, South Korea
- Why
- During a state visit and summit capping the APEC forum, highlighting technological ambitions and security discussions.
Security Concerns
Technological Ambitions & Relations
Security of Chinese Technology
Security Concerns
President Lee's question about communication security and Xi's joke about a 'backdoor' highlight potential concerns over hidden vulnerabilities in Chinese-made technology.
Technological Ambitions & Relations
Xi's gift and joke can be interpreted as a lighthearted acknowledgment of these concerns, while also showcasing China's technological advancements and the cooperative nature of the diplomatic gift exchange.
Underlying Trust
Security Concerns
The 'backdoor' comment implies a degree of suspicion or caution regarding the security of devices manufactured by a rival technological power.
Technological Ambitions & Relations
The leaders' laughter and continued gift exchange suggest that the comment was made in good humor and did not significantly detract from the overall positive diplomatic engagement and efforts to widen cooperation.
- Event
- State visit and gift exchange
- Location
- Gyeongju, South Korea
- Date
- Saturday
- Participants
- Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung
- Gifts Exchanged
- Xiaomi smartphones (Xi to Lee), wooden board for Go, mother-of-pearl inlay lacquered tray (Lee to Xi)
Sources
At APEC summit, Xi calls for global AI regulator, positions China as a trade alternative to the US
Asia-Pacific leaders wrap up APEC summit
China’s Xi jokes about ‘backdoor’ when gifting South Korea’s Lee Xiaomi phones
