'Xiaomi diplomacy': its implications for Sino-Korea relations

'Xiaomi diplomacy': its implications for Sino-Korea relations

Two scenes. The first: On Nov. 1, 2025, at the bilateral summit between President Lee Jae Myung and President Xi Jinping held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Forum summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, there was an exchange of gifts. It was a scene of ordinary diplomatic protocol, and the atmosphere was restrained. However, the Xiaomi smartphone that President Xi presented as a gift changed the atmosphere subtly but clearl…