Talks between the Chinese and South Korean leaders have renewed diplomatic momentum, but what happens next could hinge on how Seoul balances its relations with Washington, according to analysts.
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A lighthearted exchange before their state banquet drew media attention. After Xi presented Lee with a gift of two Chinese Xiaomi smartphones with South Korean-made displays, Lee quipped: “Is the communication line secure?”
Xi laughed and smiled, then pointed at the phones and said: “You should check if there’s a back door” – preinstalled software that could be used to monitor the phone’s user – prompting laughter and applause from Lee.
Their meeting ran for nearly 100 minutes, longer than scheduled, and was hailed by a senior South Korean official as a “complete restoration of bilateral ties”.
Xi, Lee joke about security of Xiaomi phone gift
Xi, Lee joke about security of Xiaomi phone gift
During the talks, Xi and Lee reaffirmed the nations’ strategic partnership, with Xi emphasising that they were “inseparable partners” and urging South Korea to support the multilateral trading system.
