Xi Jinping’s Joke at Diplomatic Meeting Sparks International Attention
At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea, an unusual yet intriguing incident caught the eyes of the international media.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping, during an official meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, made an unexpected joke by giving him and his wife two modern Chinese Xiaomi smartphones.
In response, the South Korean president, smiling, asked: “Is the communication line secure?” referencing potential eavesdropping technology.
Xi responded with a smile, and their exchange became a symbol of diplomatic friendliness.
The moment that drew particular interest was Xi’s hint at possible surveillance: “You should check if there’s a backdoor,” with irony implying the software that could allow third-party monitoring.
Following this incident, President Lee reacted easily and amicably, tapping his palms together and smiling.
This episode became a headline in global media because it’s rare for world leaders to show such humor concerning sensitive issues like espionage and security.
According to South Korean spokesperson Kim Nam-jun, the chemistry between the leaders during their numerous meetings suggests that mutual trust and a friendly atmosphere can transform even serious diplomatic matters into something more human.
He also added that the phones gifted are built with Chinese technology, and Korean-made displays might be used in some devices in the future.
The situation indicates that, amidst political tensions, such humorous exchanges can help soften stress points and open new avenues for diplomacy.
Earlier reports by Reuters highlighted that Xi Jinping takes advantage of the absence of U.S.
representatives at international forums to strengthen China’s influence in geopolitics and trade, positioning China as a leader open and strong, committed to global stability and development.