Archive · 4 Nov 2025
Xi Jinping Jokes About Spying Risk with Xiaomi Phone Gift to South Korean President
Imagine two leaders from big countries, China and South Korea, meeting up.
The leader from China, Xi Jinping, gave a gift to the leader from South Korea, Lee Jae Myung: two new phones made by a Chinese company.
Xi Jinping jokingly told Lee to 'check if there is a backdoor' on the phones.
A 'backdoor' is like a secret way someone could spy on your phone.
Lee also made a joke about the phone's security, and everyone laughed.
This happened during a special meeting called an APEC summit.
This funny moment showed that the two leaders were getting along well, and it was a bit surprising because leaders don't often joke about spying.
The gift also highlighted China's growing technology, like making smartphones, even though South Korea also makes famous phones.
Chinese President Xi Jinping gifted two Xiaomi smartphones to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and his wife during a meeting in Gyeongju.
Xi Jinping humorously advised President Lee to 'check if there is a backdoor' on the phones, referencing potential monitoring software.
The exchange occurred on the sidelines of an APEC summit and marked Xi's first visit to South Korea in over a decade.
The lighthearted banter, including a remark from President Lee about communication line security, drew media attention and surprise.
Spokespeople indicated the joke reflected growing personal chemistry and rapport between the two leaders.
- Who
- Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung
- What
- Xi Jinping gifted two Xiaomi smartphones to President Lee Jae Myung and his wife, joking about checking for 'backdoors.'
- When
- Saturday (November 2, 2025 implied)
- Where
- Gyeongju, South Korea, on the sidelines of an APEC summit.
- Why
- The gift exchange occurred during Xi's state visit, marking his first visit to South Korea in over a decade. The lighthearted exchange reportedly aimed to build personal rapport and chemistry between the two leaders.
South Korean Perspective
Chinese Perspective
Security Concerns
South Korean Perspective
President Lee Jae Myung's spokesman indicated that the joke highlighted a potential for 'backdoors' in technology, implying a need for scrutiny. Lee himself initially quipped about the 'communication line secure' with the phones.
Chinese Perspective
President Xi Jinping's joke about checking for 'backdoors' was seen by Chinese state media and observers as a humorous remark rather than a genuine security concern, emphasizing technological openness and goodwill.
Rapport Building
South Korean Perspective
Lee's spokesman suggested the joke demonstrated a growing personal rapport and chemistry between the two leaders, making such lighthearted banter possible.
Chinese Perspective
The joke was perceived as a sign of Xi Jinping's willingness to engage in humor and build personal connections with foreign leaders, showcasing a more relaxed diplomatic style.
- Event
- Gift exchange between Chinese and South Korean Presidents
- Date
- Saturday (November 2, 2025 implied)
- Location
- Gyeongju, South Korea
- Gift from Xi Jinping
- Two Xiaomi smartphones (with Korean-made displays)
- Gift from Lee Jae Myung
- Not specified in this article
- Xi's Visit Context
- First visit to South Korea in over a decade, on the sidelines of an APEC summit
- Xi's Comment
- 'You should check if there is a backdoor' (referring to pre-installed monitoring software)
