Behind the Scenes of the Korea-China Summit: Xiaomi Phone 'Selfie' Was President Lee's Spontaneous Idea (Comprehensive)

Behind-the-Scenes Stories from the Summit, Shared by Blue House Spokesperson Kang Yoojung
President Lee to Xi Jinping: "Korean Stock Market Hits All-Time High, Reflecting Hope and Expectations"
Proposal to Expand Go and Soccer Exchanges... Also

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 during the Korea-China summit, reflecting hope and expectations for improved Korea-China relations," according to Kang Yoojeong, spokesperson for the Blue House. Kang also revealed that the much-talked-about 'Xiaomi selfie' at the summit was President Lee's 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). On this day, the KOSPI index surpassed the 4,500 mark at market close, 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.

Additionally, President Lee, considering the lifting of the 'Hallyu ban' (a ban on Korean pop culture content), proposed holding exchange events such as Go or soccer tournaments to help restore goodwill between the peoples of the two countries. He also requested that a pair of pandas be loaned to the Gwangju Uchi Zoo, Korea's second national base zoo. In response, President Xi said there would be "no problem" with Go and soccer exchanges, and used the expressions "three feet of ice does not melt all at once" and "fruit falls naturally when ripe" to emphasize the need for efforts to improve relations, according to spokesperson Kang. President Xi's metaphors suggest that it will take time to fully lift the Hallyu ban, and that a gradual, step-by-step approach is necessary.

Regarding the sensitive issue of structures in the West Sea between Korea and China, President Lee raised the matter and President Xi listened attentively. Spokesperson Kang explained, "It seemed that President Xi was not fully aware of the West Sea structures. Our position is that the West Sea should become a sea of joint prosperity for the development of Korea-China relations, and consensus was reached to discuss this matter at the working level."

At the state banquet, President Xi offered Maotai liquor labeled "For the Great Hall of the People Only" and mentioned the "Eight Famous Liquors" introduced at the Gyeongju Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Spokesperson Kang explained, "When President Xi said he had reduced his alcohol consumption for health reasons, President Lee replied, 'In Korea, there is a law of conservation of total quantity. There is a fixed amount for alcohol, happiness, and sadness.' President Xi responded that there is a similar saying in China."

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

Spokesperson Kang further reported that during the state banquet, President Lee made a toast with Wang Yi, China's Foreign Minister, 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 revealed that the 'Xiaomi phone selfie' that drew attention during 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 at the Gyeongju APEC summit, which led to the selfie.

The Xiaomi phone President Lee brought was a gift from President Xi during the Korea-China summit at the Gyeongju APEC event. At the time, President Lee asked, "Is the phone secure for communications?" to which President Xi wittily replied, "Check for a backdoor," drawing attention. Spokesperson Kang explained, "After the banquet, President Lee suggested taking a selfie, and President Xi agreed, so the two leaders took a photo together. It was a moment created by President Lee's quick wit and sense of humor." Originally, President Lee intended to take a photo of the welcome bouquet with the Xiaomi phone and send it to President Xi, but the selfie idea came up spontaneously.

Spokesperson Kang also shared the results of President Lee's meeting and dinner with Chen Jining, Party Secretary of Shanghai, held in Shanghai on the 6th. 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 said, "We welcome your visit to Shanghai, the economic and financial center of China," and added 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 realizing the outcomes of the Korea-China summit, noting that Shanghai is one of the cities with the most active human and economic exchanges. Party Secretary Chen responded that Shanghai would actively contribute according to the blueprint set by the two leaders.

In the economic sphere, President Lee expressed hope that during the implementation of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, new opportunities for cooperation would be sought, including expanding trade and business between companies from both countries. Party Secretary Chen explained Shanghai's business-friendly policies and said, "We will continue to provide new opportunities for development and cooperation for foreign companies, including Korean firms," according to spokesperson Kang.

Spokesperson Kang added 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 independence movement sites. Party Secretary Chen replied, "We share the same sentiment," and said that the related facilities "have been well maintained."