Chinese President Xi Jinping presented two cellphones to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung during his state visit to Gyeongju, South Korea, on Saturday. The gesture, accompanied by a lighthearted remark about checking for backdoors, highlighted the increasing importance of cybersecurity in diplomatic relations.
During a meeting between the leaders, Xi Jinping shared the phones, prompting Lee Jae Myung to inquire about their security features. Xi’s response, which included a smile and a casual suggestion to verify their security, was seen as a subtle acknowledgment of the ongoing concerns about data privacy and information security between the two nations.
This exchange comes at a time when cyber espionage and digital security have become critical issues in international relations. The incident reflects the evolving dynamics of trust and technological interdependence between major global powers, particularly in the context of geopolitical tensions and the digital economy.