Asia Sentinel

Asia Sentinel

Politics

The Symbolism of Gift-Giving Diplomacy

It’s what it means to the people back home

Nov 08, 2025
∙ Paid
By: Xiaochen Su

American late-night shows had a field day on October 29 showing South Korean President Lee Jae-myung presenting a replica of the historical Silla golden crown to US President Trump as a gift for his official visit. This happened only days after more than seven million people turned out for the so-called “No Kings” street protests across t…

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