Key Facts
• On November 1, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung held a summit in Gyeongju, South Korea.
• Xi gifted Lee and his wife two high-end smartphones from Xiaomi, priced at approximately $1,200 each, along with traditional Chinese gifts like brushes, inkstones, and tea sets.
• Lee humorously questioned the security of the smartphones, asking, “Is communication security okay?”
• Xi responded, “Check if there’s a backdoor,” referring to hidden programs that allow external access or data extraction.
• Lee laughed and emphasized their candid relationship, while China highlighted the phones’ Korean-made displays, showcasing collaboration between the two nations.
Summary
During the November 2025 summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, Chinese President Xi Jinping presented South Korean President Lee Jae-myung with Xiaomi smartphones and traditional Chinese gifts. Lee humorously questioned the devices’ security, referencing potential backdoors, to which Xi encouraged verification. The exchange highlighted the leaders’ candid rapport, with China emphasizing the collaborative nature of the smartphones, featuring Korean-made displays. The lighthearted moment underscored broader discussions on strategic communication and cooperation between the two nations.
