Xi’s Xiaomi Quip: A Not-So-Smart Move for Smartphone Security Concerns
Chinese president Xi Jinping joked that Xiaomi smartphones might come with backdoors. During a meeting with South Korea’s president, Xi’s quip about security sparked a laugh. But behind the humor lies a serious concern: fears of surveillance have led many to avoid Chinese telecom products despite their export success.

Hot Take:
Oh, Xi! You sly fox, joking about backdoors in smartphones like it’s a stand-up comedy routine. But hey, when your country’s tech is under global scrutiny, why not sprinkle a little humor into the mix? After all, nothing says “trust us” quite like a nudge and a wink about snooping capabilities. It’s like gifting someone a Trojan Horse and then asking them if they need a crowbar to open it. Classic!
Key Points:
- Xi Jinping joked about potential backdoors in Xiaomi smartphones during a meeting with South Korea’s president.
- Both leaders shared a laugh, but the joke highlights global concerns about Chinese tech security.
- China’s sluggish consumer spending is prompting efforts to boost exports, with Xiaomi as a key player.
- Backdoors in tech are a serious issue, with allegations of Chinese-backed groups infiltrating global networks.
- China’s Great Firewall and export of surveillance tech continue to raise security and privacy concerns worldwide.
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