In a rare and light-hearted diplomatic moment, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung shared a viral selfie with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday, using a smartphone gifted to him by the Chinese leader. The photo, featuring the two leaders and their wives, was posted by Lee on the social media platform X during his official visit to Beijing, quickly capturing massive online attention.
A Selfie for the History Books
The now-famous selfie was taken with a Xiaomi handset that President Xi had presented to Lee earlier in November on the sidelines of the APEC summit in South Korea. Sharing the image, President Lee expressed his delight, writing, "A selfie with President Xi Jinping and his wife, taken with the Xiaomi I received as a gift in Gyeongju. Thanks to them, I got the shot of a lifetime." He further added a commitment to deeper collaboration, stating, "I will communicate more frequently and collaborate more closely going forward."
The post sparked immense interest, being shared over 3,400 times within just a few hours. The South Korean first family also posted a short YouTube video from the interaction, where Xi was seen complimenting Lee's photography skills. Online reactions were swift and varied, with one user humorously referencing another world leader, quipping, "Sir, Do you know Nicolas Maduro used the same phone?"
Banter and "Backdoor" Jokes
The exchange around the phone gift revealed an unexpectedly humorous side to the Chinese President. When Lee inquired if the communication line on the device was secure, Xi Jinping joked that he should "check if there is a backdoor"—a witty reference to pre-installed software that could allow third-party surveillance. This remark was particularly notable given the serious context of espionage concerns and Xi's typically reserved public persona.
Reflecting on the incident later, President Lee noted that Xi was "unexpectedly quite good at making jokes." This friendly banter marked a significant departure from the years-long diplomatic deep freeze between the two nations and underscored Lee's active efforts to improve relations with Beijing since taking office in June.
Strategic Talks Amid Global Turbulence
Beyond the viral moment, the visit involved substantial discussions. In a ninety-minute summit, President Xi urged his South Korean counterpart to join Beijing in making the "right strategic choices" in a world he described as "becoming more complex and turbulent." This dialogue took place against a tense global backdrop, notably following a U.S. military operation in Caracas that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro—an action strongly condemned by both China and North Korea.
President Lee's outreach to China represents a deliberate diplomatic pivot, seeking to stabilize and enhance ties after a period of strain. The successful visit, punctuated by the personal connection showcased in the selfie, suggests a potential warming phase in bilateral relations, even as both nations navigate their alliances and strategic interests on the world stage.
