Talks between the Chinese and South Korean leaders have renewed diplomatic momentum, but what happens next could hinge on how Seoul balances its relations with Washington, according to analysts.
Chinese President Xi Jinping – on his first visit to South Korea in 11 years – met his counterpart Lee Jae-myung in Gyeongju last Saturday, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
A lighthearted exchange before their state banquet drew media attention. After Xi presented Lee with a gift of two Chinese Xiaomi smartphones with South Korean-made displays, Lee quipped: “Is the communication line secure?”
Xi laughed and smiled, then pointed at the phones and said: “You should check if there’s a back door” – preinstalled software that could be used to monitor the phone’s user – prompting laughter and applause from Lee.
Their meeting ran for nearly 100 minutes, longer than scheduled, and was hailed by a senior South Korean official as a “complete restoration of bilateral ties”.
During the talks, Xi and
Continue Reading on The Star Malaysia
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.