South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping examine gifts exchanged on November 1, 2023. Photo: South Korean Presidential Office
On the sidelines of the APEC Summit on November 1, 2023, following a bilateral meeting in Gyeongju, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged gifts.
According to the South Korean Presidential Office, President Xi Jinping presented President Lee Jae-myung with two Xiaomi smartphones, specifically the Xiaomi 15 Ultra model launched earlier that year. Notably, the phone features a screen manufactured in South Korea, along with a traditional “Four Treasures of the Study” set, which includes calligraphy tools.
Additionally, China’s First Lady Peng Liyuan gifted South Korea’s First Lady Kim Hye-kyung a set of white porcelain teacups.
In a lighthearted moment, President Lee Jae-myung joked while examining the Xiaomi phone, “I wonder if this phone has any security features?” The remark sparked laughter in the room. President Xi Jinping humorously replied, “Then I invite you to check if there’s any spyware.” President Lee laughed and applauded, thanking President Xi for the valuable gifts.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung viewing exchanged gifts on November 1, 2023. Photo: Yonhap
According to the Chosun Ilbo, President Lee Jae-myung gifted President Xi Jinping a premium baduk (Go) board made from high-quality Jeju cedar wood, along with a round lacquerware tray inlaid with mother-of-pearl, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two nations. Both leaders are known for their love of the game.
Additionally, President Lee presented Mrs. Xi Jinping with a silverware set and skincare products from LG.
What Makes President Xi’s Gift Significant?
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra, launched internationally in March 2025. Photo: Xiaomi
Experts suggest that President Xi Jinping’s choice of a Chinese-made smartphone as a gift carries significant diplomatic implications. Presenting a Xiaomi phone in South Korea, home to tech giant Samsung, underscores China’s confidence in its technological ecosystem.
By selecting Xiaomi, President Xi not only highlights the brand’s quality but also emphasizes China’s advancements in the electronics industry. Notably, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra features a South Korean-manufactured screen, symbolizing the potential for continued cooperation between the two nations.
Xiaomi, following Huawei, is a flagship brand representing China’s high-tech manufacturing sector. While the Xiaomi 17 series, with its innovative secondary screen design, made waves, the Ultra variant remains unreleased.
Xiaomi has recently intensified efforts to penetrate the South Korean market, a challenging task given Samsung’s dominance and the popularity of iPhones among South Korean youth.
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra stands out with its professional-grade Leica camera, powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and impressive battery life with fast charging. It boasts a premium display, advanced AI features, and a robust design with IP68 water and dust resistance.
The device’s camera is particularly noteworthy, featuring a 200MP periscope lens with optical image stabilization (OIS) and 4.3x optical zoom. Its low-light telephoto capabilities surpass competitors, making Xiaomi the first brand to enhance telephoto performance in low-light conditions. The Photography Kit accessory allows users to attach various filters for diverse shooting scenarios.
References: Chosun Ilbo, Korea Herald, Reuters
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