Samsung heir apparent Lee Jay-yong said Tuesday that China had a task force within its research institute that focused studies on Samsung.

“The most surprising factor was how much Chinese leader Xi Jinping knows about Korea and Samsung,” he told reporters upon his arrival at Gimpo Airport in Seoul early in the morning. “We must perform better.”

He also said that he felt a lot of responsibility following his two meetings with the new Chinese leader.

Lee met with Xi twice during his trip to China for the Boao Forum for Asia.

The Boao Forum, which is considered to be the Asian version of the Davos Forum, was established in February 2011 as a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization. It was set up by 26 Asian representatives.

At the forum, Lee, who is serving as the vice chairman of Samsung’s flagship electronics arm, was appointed as a board member of the group following SK chairman Chey Tae-won.

He was also invited by Xi to attend a private meeting as the heir apparent of the country’s top conglomerate was among the 15 board members.

By Cho Ji-hyun (sharon@heraldcorp.com)