Xiaomi (小米) founder Lei Jun posts selfie with Spain's prime minister, then meets Abu Dhabi crown prince

Photos and meetings

Xiaomi (小米) founder, chairman and CEO Lei Jun reportedly posted photos showing a selfie with Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during the latter’s visit to Xiaomi’s headquarters, and later meeting Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed Al Nahyan. It has been reported that Sánchez tried a Xiaomi 17 Ultra handset at the company’s flagship store, photographed members of his delegation and pulled Lei into the selfie, and that he asked detailed questions about Xiaomi’s electric vehicle plans. Lei also cited a media report saying the Abu Dhabi crown prince praised the two countries’ strategic ties and discussed deeper cooperation in energy, technology, investment and renewables.

Why this matters

Why does a selfie matter? Because it illustrates how China’s biggest consumer tech firms are increasingly playing both commercial and diplomatic roles. Xiaomi’s move into electric vehicles — showcased by a test ride in the YU7 and praise for the car’s “Tianji” display — is central to the company’s global ambitions. A Spanish prime minister touring a Chinese tech HQ and a Gulf crown prince holding talks signal interest from Europe and the Middle East in Chinese tech hardware and investment.

Geopolitical and commercial context

These encounters come against a backdrop of tighter export controls and heightened scrutiny of Chinese technology by Western governments. Chinese firms are pursuing alternative markets and diplomatic channels as the West debates trade and security restrictions. For Xiaomi, the visits are useful soft power and business signaling: product demos and selfies can open doors, but will they translate into regulatory approvals and sales overseas?