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Xi Gifts Smartphones to South Korea's President, Sparks Laughter

11/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Chinese President Xi Jinping gifted two Xiaomi smartphones to South Korean President Lee Jae-myung during the APEC summit in Gyeongju.
Xi joked about a "backdoor" in the devices, prompting laughter from both leaders and drawing significant media attention.
The exchange underscored growing rapport between the two during their two-day meeting.
The smartphones were presented to Lee and his wife, but it remains undecided whether they will be used.

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Story summary

Chinese President Xi Jinping gifted two Xiaomi smartphones to South Korean President Lee Jae-myung during the APEC summit in Gyeongju.
Xi joked about a "backdoor" in the devices, prompting laughter from both leaders and drawing significant media attention.
The exchange underscored growing rapport between the two during their two-day meeting.
The smartphones were presented to Lee and his wife, but it remains undecided whether they will be used.