After the first business trip since COVID-19, Lee Jae-yong returns home after a 3-day, 2-night schedule in China

Silent on Questions Regarding Expansion of US Austin Factory and Huawei Sanctions

Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, who completed his first business trip to China since the COVID-19 pandemic, is returning to Seoul through the Gimpo Business Aviation Center (SGBAC) on the 19th. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Lee Jae-yong, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics, who embarked on his first overseas business trip since the COVID-19 pandemic, returned to Korea on the 19th after a 3-day, 2-night schedule in China.

Vice Chairman Lee arrived at the Gimpo International Airport Business Center (SGBAC) around 2 p.m. on the same day, aboard a Samsung Electronics chartered flight.

Reporters gathered on site asked questions such as "Are you expanding the Austin factory in the U.S.?", "Did you discuss the Huawei sanctions?", and "What did the Shanxi Province secretary say regarding Huawei?", but Vice Chairman Lee remained silent and boarded the prepared vehicle.

Using the Korea-China business 'fast track (simplified entry procedures)' for his business trip, Vice Chairman Lee underwent a COVID-19 test at a temporary clinic near the airport immediately after returning, under the guidance of Ministry of Health and Welfare staff. Overseas arrivals are required to quarantine for two weeks after testing, but those entering and exiting under the business fast track agreement are exempt from mandatory quarantine. As a result, Vice Chairman Lee underwent three COVID-19 tests solely for this China trip.

Earlier, Vice Chairman Lee departed on the 17th and visited the semiconductor plant in Xi'an, Shanxi Province, the day before, resuming global on-site management after four months. He discussed the impacts and countermeasures related to the prolonged COVID-19 situation and took time to encourage employees.

Present at the site were Jin Gyo-young, President of the Memory Business Division, Park Hak-gyu, President and Head of DS Division Management Support Office, and Hwang Deuk-gyu, President of Samsung China. At this meeting, Vice Chairman Lee emphasized, "There is no future if we are held back by the past or complacent in the present," adding, "To create new growth engines, we must proactively prepare for the coming massive changes. There is no time. We must not miss the opportunity."

On the same day, Vice Chairman Lee held talks with Hu Heping, Secretary of the Shanxi Provincial Committee, and Liu Guozhong, Governor. Secretary Hu expressed gratitude, saying, "We deeply appreciate Samsung’s benevolent support of epidemic prevention supplies to local residents during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic."

Secretary Hu continued, "We will fully implement the inland reform and opening-up intentions raised by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his recent visit to the province, further strengthen the resumption of operations and production of foreign-invested enterprises, and actively support the flow of logistics and personnel."

Vice Chairman Lee expressed thanks for the local government’s COVID-19 prevention and control support and stated, "Samsung’s projects are progressing smoothly." He added, "Since we are achieving good results, let us expand cooperation areas and increase exchanges," and responded, "Shanxi Province will positively contribute to welcoming a new era."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.