At an APEC sideline in Gyeongju, Chinese President Xi Jinping joked that South Korean President Lee Jae Myung should "check if there is a backdoor" after gifting him two Xiaomi phones with Korean-made displays. The rare jest — part of Xi's first trip to South Korea in over a decade — prompted laughter and broad media attention. A Seoul Shinmun headline and a viral clip (800+ comments) highlighted public surprise. Lee's spokesman said the moment reflected growing personal chemistry between the leaders; the phones were offered to Lee and his wife, with use undecided.
Xi Jokes About a 'Backdoor' as He Gifts Xiaomi Phones to South Korea's President
At an APEC sideline in Gyeongju, Chinese President Xi Jinping joked that South Korean President Lee Jae Myung should "check if there is a backdoor" after gifting him two Xiaomi phones with Korean-made displays. The rare jest — part of Xi's first trip to South Korea in over a decade — prompted laughter and broad media attention. A Seoul Shinmun headline and a viral clip (800+ comments) highlighted public surprise. Lee's spokesman said the moment reflected growing personal chemistry between the leaders; the phones were offered to Lee and his wife, with use undecided.
12:42, 03.11.2025Politics
Lighthearted Exchange at APEC: Xi and Lee Trade Jokes Over Gifted Phones
Chinese President Xi Jinping made an unusually playful remark about spying when he presented South Korean President Lee Jae Myung with two Xiaomi smartphones on the sidelines of an APEC summit in Gyeongju. The brief exchange — Xi's first visit to South Korea in more than a decade — drew laughter, media attention and a viral clip online.
Xi gifted the phones, which were fitted with Korean-made displays, during a series of meetings and ceremonial events. When Lee quipped, "Is the communication line secure?", Xi pointed to the devices and replied, "You should check if there is a backdoor," referencing the common concern that pre-installed software could allow third-party monitoring. Both leaders laughed and were met with applause.
Why it mattered: The remark stood out because Xi is rarely seen joking in public, and a comment about potential surveillance from a national leader is unusually candid. The exchange was widely reported in Seoul and sparked strong public interest online.
A Seoul Shinmun headline captured the public mood: "Xi bursts into laughter after Lee jokes about security of Xiaomi Phones." A video of the interaction posted to YouTube drew more than 800 comments, with many viewers expressing surprise at the light-hearted tone between the two leaders. One commenter, using the handle 021835, wrote: "It feels like martial arts masters trading lines in a duel."
Lee's spokesman, Kim Nam-joon, told AFP the banter reflected the growing personal rapport between the presidents during a packed schedule of welcoming ceremonies, gift exchanges, a state banquet and cultural performances. "If it weren't for such chemistry, that kind of joke would not have been possible," he said.
On whether President Lee would use the phones, Kim said it was possible but no decision had been made; the handsets were presented for Lee and his wife.
Reporting details: Exchange occurred in Gyeongju on the sidelines of the APEC summit; comments relayed by Lee's spokesman and AFP. Video and media reaction referenced publicly available coverage in Seoul.