A hot mic caught Putin and Xi discussing organ transplants and human longevity during Beijing’s military parade. Photo Credit: Reuters
During China’s military parade in Beijing on Wednesday, a live broadcast briefly picked up an unusual conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, focused on organ transplants and human life expectancy.
As Putin and Xi walked with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and other leaders toward Tiananmen Square for the parade marking the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, state broadcaster CCTV’s livestream carried their exchange. The footage was also relayed by CGTN, AP, and Reuters.
In the clip, Putin’s translator can be heard telling Xi in Chinese: “Biotechnology is continuously developing… human organs can be continuously transplanted. The longer you live, the younger you become, and (you can) even achieve immortality.”
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Xi, speaking off camera, replied: “Some predict that in this century humans may live to 150 years old.”
Kim Jong Un appeared to smile during the discussion, though it was unclear if the remarks were translated for him. The broadcast soon cut away to wide shots of Tiananmen Square before returning to the leaders.
Later in the day, Putin acknowledged at a press briefing that he and Xi had indeed spoken about prospects for significantly extending human life expectancy.
Putin’s visit to China included participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, attended by over 20 world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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During the trip, Putin and Xi signed more than 20 agreements spanning energy, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure, including plans for a new gas pipeline, though financing and pricing details were not revealed.
Kim Jong Un, who rarely travels abroad, arrived in Beijing on a bulletproof train to attend the parade and later held a formal meeting with Putin at the Diaoyutai state guest house.
