Gyeongju: President Lee Jae Myung has received a set of Xiaomi smartphones and traditional Chinese calligraphy tools from Chinese President Xi Jinping following their first summit talks, as the two leaders shared a lighthearted exchange about communication security.
According to Yonhap News Agency, during the gift exchange on Saturday, Xi presented Lee with two smartphones made by Chinese tech giant Xiaomi, highlighting that the displays on the phones are Korean-made. Lee humorously inquired about the security of the phone line, to which Xi, through an interpreter, suggested that Lee could check for any backdoors.
In addition to the smartphones, Xi gifted Lee the “Four Treasures of the Study,” a set of traditional writing and painting tools consisting of an ink brush, paper, ink, and ink stone, which are used in Chinese calligraphy.
In return, Lee presented Xi with a Go board crafted from premium Torreya nucifera wood, along with a “najeonchilgi” lacquerware tray. Najeonchilgi is a traditional Korean craft that involves decorating objects with colorful shell inlays. Xi, a known Go enthusiast along with Lee, expressed his appreciation for the gift, calling it exquisite and nice.
For Xi’s wife, Peng Liyuan, Lee prepared a silver-handled teapot with silver cups and a set of nourishing cream and eye cream. Xi humorously inquired if the cosmetics were for women, causing laughter from Lee. First lady Kim Hea Kyung also received a traditional Chinese tea set.
Xi’s visit to South Korea marks his first in 11 years, attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and holding a bilateral summit with Lee in the southeastern city of Gyeongju.