Behind the Scenes of the Korea-China Summit: The 'Xiaomi Selfie' Was President Lee's Idea

Behind-the-Scenes Stories from the Summit, Shared by Spokesperson Kang Yujeong
President Lee Tells Xi Jinping, "Korean Stock Market Hits All-Time High, Reflecting Hope and Expectations"
Proposes Expanding Go and Soccer Exchanges... Also Requests "Lo

President Lee Jaemyung, who is on a state visit to China, mentioned during a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping that "the Korean stock market reached an all-time high following the Korea-China summit, reflecting hopes and expectations for improved bilateral relations," according to Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the Blue House. Kang also revealed that the much-discussed 'Xiaomi selfie' during the summit was President Lee's own idea.

Yonhap News Agency

On the 6th (local time), Spokesperson Kang held a briefing at the press center in Shanghai, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the Korea-China summit and state banquet held in Beijing the previous day (the 5th). The KOSPI index surpassed the 4,500 mark at the close of trading that day, reaching an unprecedented high. The KOSPI had surged 3.43% to 4,457.52 points on the day of the summit, and continued its upward trend, closing at 4,525.48, up 67.96 points (1.52%) from the previous day.

Furthermore, during the summit, President Lee, with the lifting of the Hallyu ban (Hanhanryeong, restrictions on Korean content) in mind, proposed holding exchange events such as Go or soccer tournaments to help restore public sentiment between the two countries. He also requested that a pair of pandas be loaned to Gwangju Uchi Zoo, the nation’s second national hub zoo. In response, President Xi replied that there was "no problem" with Go and soccer exchanges, and used the expressions "three feet of ice do not melt at once" and "when fruit ripens, it falls naturally" to emphasize the need for continued efforts to improve relations, according to Spokesperson Kang. President Xi's metaphors suggest that the complete lifting of the Hallyu ban will take time and require a gradual, step-by-step approach.

At the state banquet, President Xi offered Maotai liquor labeled "for exclusive use at the Great Hall of the People," and mentioned the "eight famous liquors" introduced at the Gyeongju Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Spokesperson Kang explained that when President Xi said he had reduced his alcohol consumption for health reasons, President Lee responded, "In Korea, we believe in the law of conservation of total quantity. There is a total amount for alcohol, happiness, and even sadness." President Xi replied that there is a similar saying in China.

Regarding the banquet menu, President Xi pointed to Beijing-style Jajangmyeon and suggested President Lee "try it" to see how it differs from the Korean version. President Lee asked, "As I understand it, people who came from China to Korea originally adapted it to suit our tastes. Is there Jajangmyeon in China as well?" President Xi replied, "It is mainly eaten in the north." After tasting the Beijing-style Jajangmyeon, President Lee commented that it "tastes healthier than Korean Jajangmyeon," according to Spokesperson Kang. President Xi also reportedly shared an anecdote about clam soup from former U.S. President Nixon's visit to China.

Spokesperson Kang also reported that, during the state banquet, President Lee made a toast with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, asking him to "pay attention to peace and stability in Northeast Asia." Minister Wang replied, "Long-term peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula is a shared goal between Korea and China."

'Xiaomi Phone Selfie' Was President Lee's Idea... 'Emotional Diplomacy, Smile Diplomacy'

Yonhap News Agency

Spokesperson Kang explained that the 'Xiaomi phone selfie,' which attracted attention at the summit, was President Lee's idea. Before his visit to China, President Lee instructed his aides to activate the Xiaomi phone that President Xi had given him as a gift during the Gyeongju Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which led to the selfie. Spokesperson Kang added, "President Lee's unique emotional diplomacy and smile diplomacy open hearts through empathy, wit, and humor with world leaders."

Spokesperson Kang also shared the outcome of President Lee's meeting and dinner with Chen Jining, Party Secretary of Shanghai, held in Shanghai that day. According to Kang, President Lee said, "It is meaningful to visit Shanghai, where the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea was established and which has led the development of Korea-China relations since diplomatic ties were established. I hope this visit will further expand exchanges and cooperation between Korea and Shanghai."

Party Secretary Chen welcomed President Lee's visit to Shanghai, "the economic and financial center of China," and stated that Shanghai "will actively work to promote friendly and cooperative relations with Korea," according to Spokesperson Kang. President Lee also asked Shanghai to play an active role in implementing the outcomes of the Korea-China summit, as it is one of the cities with the most active people-to-people and economic exchanges. Party Secretary Chen responded that Shanghai would actively contribute in line with the blueprint set by the leaders of both countries.

In the economic sector, President Lee expressed hope that new opportunities for cooperation would be sought, such as expanding trade and business between companies of both countries during the implementation of China's 15th Five-Year Plan. Party Secretary Chen explained Shanghai's business-friendly policies and said the city would continue to strive to provide new development opportunities and cooperation space for foreign companies, including Korean companies, according to Spokesperson Kang.

Spokesperson Kang also reported that President Lee noted, "This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Kim Koo and the 100th anniversary of the Shanghai Provisional Government building," and requested Shanghai's continued interest and cooperation in preserving sites related to the independence movement. Party Secretary Chen replied that he "shares the same sentiment" and that the relevant facilities have been "well maintained."