During a military parade in Beijing on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping were overheard discussing intriguing concepts surrounding organ transplants and the potential for immortality, as captured on a hot mic. The unexpected exchange took place amidst a gathering of notable leaders, including North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, Belarus’ Alexander Lukashenko, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while they made their way through Tiananmen Square towards the viewing platform for the festivities.
The event marked Victory Day, celebrating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender, which brought World War II to a close. This occasion provided China with a platform to showcase a range of newly unveiled military hardware to the public.
Discussion on biotechnology and longevity
As the microphones picked up their conversation, Putin, communicating in Russian, spoke to a translator who relayed his comments to Xi in Mandarin. He proposed that advancements in biotechnology might soon enable the possibility of eternal life. The translator conveyed to Putin Xi’s input, stating, “In the past, people rarely lived longer than 70 years, but today they say at 70, you are still a child.”
“With the development of biotechnology, human organs can be continuously transplanted, and people can live younger and younger, and even achieve immortality,” replied Putin.
In response, Xi was heard mentioning, “Some predict that in this century, humans may live up to 150 years old.” This exchange highlights a mutual interest in extending human lifespan through scientific advancements.
Political implications of longevity research
Following the event, Putin confirmed to reporters from the state-run news agency Tass that he had indeed discussed the potential for significantly enhancing human life expectancy with Xi. He remarked, “Modern recovery methods, medical methods, even surgical ones dealing with the replacement of organs, enable humanity to hope for active life to last longer than it does today.”
Putin also noted, “Average age is different in different countries, but life expectancy will increase significantly.” The conversation reflects a broader fascination among Russian political elites regarding the pursuit of life extension. In 2024, Putin initiated plans for a new research center dubbed “New Health Preservation Technologies”, which aims to combat aging and explore medical means to achieve longevity.
Both leaders demonstrate a commitment to remaining in power, with Putin having led Russia for over 25 years and Xi for nearly 13 years since succeeding Hu Jintao in March 2013. Xi further solidified his power in 2018 by abolishing presidential term limits, thereby paving the way for his extraordinary third term, which is set to extend through 2028. Likewise, Putin has adjusted Russian laws to facilitate his continued leadership.