China's Xi Gifts Xiaomi Phones to South Korea's President During Historic Visit

During a state visit to South Korea, Chinese President Xi Jinping gifted South Korean President Lee Jae Myung a pair of Xiaomi smartphones, humorously urging Lee to "check if there's a backdoor," highlighting both a lighthearted moment and broader security concerns in technology diplomacy. The exchange took place after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, marking Xi's first visit to South Korea in 11 years and underscoring China's ambitions in technology as part of its five-year economic development plan. The smartphones featured Korean-made displays, symbolizing a blend of Chinese manufacturing and South Korean technology. In return, Lee presented Xi with a traditional wooden Go board and a lacquerware tray, reflecting shared cultural interests. Xi also gifted traditional Chinese calligraphy tools and presented a gift set to his wife, sparking further friendly exchanges. The interaction illuminated underlying geopolitical tensions around tech security while fostering cooperation, with Lee seeking Xi's help to resume talks with North Korea.