Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were caught on a hot mic discussing organ transplants and the possibility of living forever during a major military parade in Beijing on Wednesday. The private exchange took place as the two leaders walked with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to a viewing platform for a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Talking immortality
The brief conversation began with a translator relaying Putin’s comment: “Biotechnology is continuously developing. Human organs can be continuously transplanted. The longer you live, the younger you become, and (you can) even achieve immortality.” Xi replied, “Some predict that in this century humans may live to 150 years old.” The remarks were broadcast live by Chinese state media, which China’s regulator said drew more than 400 million television viewers and 1.9 billion online views.
Putin later confirmed to reporters that the conversation had taken place. “Modern means both health improvement and medical means and then even all kinds of surgical ones related to organ replacement allow humanity to hope that active life will continue not as it does today,” he said.
Investments in longevity
The authoritarian leaders, who are both 72, appear to reflect a shared interest in defying natural limits. Xi abolished presidential term limits in China in 2018, while Putin oversaw constitutional changes that could allow him to remain in power until 2036. China, which faces the demographic challenge of having the world’s largest elderly population, has funded and promoted research into biotechnology and anti-aging science. One such effort is the Major Program on Organ Aging and Degeneration, launched in 2016 to study the mechanisms of aging at a molecular level.
In Russia, Putin has backed projects like the New Technologies of Health Preservation research center, which focuses on organ regeneration, neurotechnology and anti-aging medicine. Officials have also outlined a goal to introduce medications aimed at rejuvenating aging cells between 2028 and 2030.
This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.
Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we’re building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community.
