‘Check If There’s A Backdoor’: Xi Quips After Gifting South Korean President Two Xiaomi Phones

Last Updated:November 04, 2025, 02:40 IST

Xi Jinping gifted Lee Jae-myung Xiaomi phones in Gyeongju, joking about backdoor risks. The exchange highlighted tech ambitions and marked Xi's first South Korea visit in 11 years.

South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung (2nd L) and China's President Xi Jinping (L) exchange gifts during a meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Gyeongju. (IMAGE: AFP)

In a moment that has gone viral online, Chinese President Xi Jinping was seen joking with his South Korean counterpart, Lee Jae-myung, after gifting him and the South Korean First Lady a pair of Xiaomi smartphones. Xi quipped, “This is for you and your wife," before Lee asked, “Is the communication security good?" Xi laughed and replied, “You should check if there’s a backdoor."

The playful exchange took place during Xi’s state visit on Saturday, following the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The leaders shared a laugh after the interpreters translated their remarks, with Lee even clapping at the joke.

The brief banter sparked heavy media interest over the weekend, as Xi is rarely seen making jokes, let alone about espionage.

The meeting marked Xi’s first visit to the US ally in 11 years. Lee hosted Xi in the South Korean city of Gyeongju.

The choice of gift—China-made Xiaomi devices, presented to the home country of smartphone giant Samsung Electronics—highlighted Xi’s technological ambitions, recently reinforced in China’s five-year economic development plan.

The exchange came after Lee presented Xi with “the finest" wooden board for the ancient strategy game Go. The pair then turned to the smartphones, wrapped in black boxes, while officials noted that the displays on the devices were made in South Korea.

A backdoor risk refers to a hidden method of bypassing normal authentication or security controls. Both leaders laughed, and Lee clapped his hands as they continued with the presentation, which also included a traditional Korean mother-of-pearl inlay lacquered tray.

Xi’s comment echoed earlier Chinese concerns over a US proposal requiring advanced chips sold abroad to have tracking and positioning functions, which prompted US chipmaker Nvidia to assert its chips had no “backdoors."

At the summit, Lee sought Xi’s assistance in resuming talks with nuclear-armed North Korea, while Xi expressed willingness to expand cooperation and jointly address shared challenges.

In another recent off-the-cuff remark, a hot mic caught Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussing organ transplants and the possibility of humans living to 150 years at a military parade in Beijing in September.

News world ‘Check If There’s A Backdoor’: Xi Quips After Gifting South Korean President Two Xiaomi Phones

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