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Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

Xi Jinping Gifts Xiaomi Smartphones to South Korean President, Mocks Backdoor Concerns

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

During a state visit that capped the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, Chinese President Xi Jinping presented South Korean President Lee Jae Myung with a pair of Xiaomi smartphones. The gift, consisting of China-made Xiaomi devices, has been seen as a symbol of Xi's technological ambitions, recently reinforced in China's economic development plan for the next five years. The two leaders exchanged a few jokes on the matter, with Xi urging Lee to "check if there's a backdoor" on the devices.

Key Takeaways:

  • Xi Jinping gifted South Korean President Lee Jae Myung a pair of Xiaomi smartphones during a state visit that capped the APEC forum, marking Xi's first visit to the US ally in 11 years.
  • The gift highlights Xi's technological ambitions, recently reinforced in China's economic development plan for the next five years, which emphasizes the country's intentions to become a technological leader.
  • The conversation between the two leaders on the gifts included a joke about backdoor risks, with Xi asking Lee to "check if there's a backdoor" on the devices.
  • The discussion comes amid concerns about security controls and tracking functions in advanced chips sold abroad, with US-based chipmaker Nvidia stating its chips have no "backdoors".
  • The APEC summit also addressed South Korea's efforts to resume talks with nuclear-armed neighbor North Korea, with Xi expressing willingness to widen cooperation to tackle common challenges.
  • The state visit marked the first time Xi visited South Korea in 11 years and included a state summit and dinner for the two leaders.

Statistics:

  • Xi Jinping's visit was his first to South Korea in 11 years.
  • The APEC forum was attended by leaders from various countries, including the United States, Russia, and South Korea.
  • China's economic development plan for the next five years emphasizes the need for technological advancements.
  • The Xiaomi smartphones gifted by Xi are made in China, while the displays are made in South Korea, according to official notes.

Sources:

  • Reuters
  • AP
  • News from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum

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