Xi Jinping Makes Rare Espionage Joke During South Korea Summit Gift Exchange

During the APEC summit in Gyeongju, China’s President Xi Jinping gifted South Korean President Lee Jae-myung two Xiaomi smartphones with Korean-made displays, sparking a rare and humorous exchange about espionage. Lee joked about the security of the phones, asking if the communication line was reliable, to which Xi replied that Lee should check if there was a "backdoor," referencing potential secret monitoring software. This unusual lighthearted banter about spying, a typically sensitive topic, highlighted the close personal rapport between the two leaders, a relationship built over multiple interactions during the summit. The moment drew significant media attention in South Korea, with widespread surprise at Xi's rare public jest, which is uncharacteristic for the usually reserved Chinese leader. Lee’s spokesman noted that such humor was only possible due to the strong personal chemistry developed during their meetings. The incident underscored the open secret of international espionage while showcasing a rare moment of levity between global leaders.