An unexpected moment of humor unfolded between the leaders of China and South Korea during their recent diplomatic encounter. During a gift exchange ceremony, the Chinese leader presented two smartphones manufactured by Chinese company Xiaomi to his South Korean counterpart.
The South Korean leader responded with a playful inquiry about the devices’ communication security. In a rare display of wit, the Chinese leader suggested his counterpart should “check for any backdoors” in the devices, sparking laughter from both delegations.
The exchange occurred during bilateral meetings on the sidelines of an international summit in South Korea, marking the Chinese leader’s first visit to the country in over ten years. The smartphones featured displays manufactured in South Korea, highlighting the technological cooperation between the two nations.
Observers noted the unusual nature of the moment, as the Chinese leader rarely displays public humor, particularly on subjects involving national security concerns. The interaction was captured by television cameras and quickly gained attention across media platforms.
The South Korean presidential office later described the moment as evidence of the positive rapport developing between the two leaders during their multiple engagements at the summit. Officials suggested such casual banter would not have been possible without the personal chemistry established during their meetings.
In addition to the smartphones, the leaders exchanged various traditional gifts, including a handcrafted board game set that the Chinese leader reportedly praised for its craftsmanship. The exchange of gifts and lighthearted moments appeared to signal warming relations between the neighboring countries amid broader regional diplomatic engagements.
