South Korea’s President Lee Jokes About ‘Backdoor’ Chinese Phone During Selfie With Xi

A lighthearted exchange in Beijing touches on global concerns over Chinese technology, data security, and digital surveillance.

By:Haitian Prime News|January 6, 2026|Beijing, China

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung sparked international attention during his official visit to Beijing after taking a group selfie with Chinese President Xi Jinping using a Chinese-made Xiaomi smartphone, prompting a joking reference to potential surveillance “backdoors” in the device.

The moment occurred during a bilateral meeting that included both leaders and their spouses. According to officials familiar with the exchange, President Lee referred to the photo as a “lifetime shot,” with President Xi assisting in taking the picture using the Xiaomi phone.

During the interaction, Xi jokingly suggested that Lee should “check if there is a backdoor” in the device, an apparent nod to longstanding global allegations that some Chinese technology products may allow third-party monitoring or unauthorized data access. Officials present said the remark was delivered in a lighthearted manner and was met with laughter from both delegations.

Despite its informal tone, the exchange touched on a sensitive and persistent geopolitical issue. Chinese technology companies have faced repeated scrutiny from Western governments and security agencies over data privacy, cybersecurity risks, and alleged ties to state surveillance. Beijing has consistently rejected these claims, stating that Chinese firms operate independently and comply with international laws.

President Lee’s visit to China comes at a time when South Korea is navigating a complex diplomatic balance between China, its largest trading partner, and the United States, its principal security ally. The trip focused on stabilizing economic relations, addressing regional security concerns, and strengthening diplomatic dialogue amid intensifying strategic competition in East Asia.

South Korea’s presidential office emphasized that the selfie moment was informal and should not be interpreted as a political statement, noting that official discussions centered on trade cooperation, regional stability, and cultural exchange.

Chinese state media highlighted the cordial atmosphere of the meeting, portraying the interaction as a sign of improving relations after years of tension driven by security disputes, technology restrictions, and supply chain pressures.

While the selfie itself was symbolic, analysts noted that the exchange underscored how issues of technology, trust, and national security continue to intersect with modern diplomacy — even in moments framed as humor.

Sources:

Ground News

South Korean Presidential Office briefings

Chinese state media reports