The authoritarian strongmen Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping have mused on how organ transplants might lead to immortality, during a brief exchange of small talk caught on a hot mic at a military parade, reports The Guardian.
The Russian president was in Beijing on Wednesday with the Chinese leader, who hosted allies for a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the second world war.
As Putin and Xi walked at the head of a delegation of foreign leaders, state media aired live footage that captured parts of what appeared to be a private conversation. While they made their way towards a raised platform in Tiananmen Square, Putin鈥檚 interpreter could be heard saying in Chinese: 鈥楤iotechnology is continuously developing.鈥�
After a brief inaudible passage, the interpreter added: 鈥楬uman organs can be continuously transplanted. The longer you live, the younger you become, and you can even achieve immortality.鈥�
Xi, who was off camera, could be heard responding in Chinese: 鈥楽ome predict that in this century humans may live to 150 years old.鈥�
Putin confirmed later to reporters he had discussed prospects for significantly increasing human life expectancy with Xi.
Both leaders have shown little intention of relinquishing power in their lifetimes. In 2018, Xi abolished presidential term limits, paving the way for him to rule indefinitely. Putin has also changed Russian law to allow him to remain in high office.
Sections of Russia鈥檚 elite, including Putin, have long been fascinated with longevity and the science of extending life.
In 2024, Putin instructed lawmakers to establish a research centre called New Health Preservation Technologies, dedicated to combating ageing. The project focuses on developing 鈥榯echnologies that prevent cellular aging, neurotechnologies, and other innovations aimed at ensuring longevity鈥�.
According to an earlier investigation by the independent Russian outlet Meduza, Mikhail Kovalchuk, a longtime family confidant of Vladimir Putin, is leading Russia鈥檚 research into immortality, a subject that he and other influential figures close to the Kremlin are reportedly 鈥榦bsessed鈥� with. Meduza reported that Kovalchuk has invested in organ-printing technology that uses lab-grown cells to produce replacement organs.
Putin鈥檚 eldest daughter, the endocrinologist Maria Vorontsova, has received multimillion-dollar Russian government grants to study cell renewal and ways to extend human health and longevity and is involved in a genetic research programme linked to Kovalchuk. When sanctions were passed on her by the US in 2022, the State Department said she was leading Kremlin-funded genetics programmes worth billions.
Putin and Xi walked alongside the North Korean dictator, Kim Jong-un, during their conversation, who was smiling and looking in the direction of Putin and Xi. It was not clear if their chat was being translated for him.
Later footage showed the three leaders walking up the steps towards the viewing platform for the parade.
The moment was carried on the livestream provided by the state broadcaster CCTV to other media, including the international newswires AP and Reuters.
China鈥檚 largest-ever military parade included 50,000 spectators and a big display of military hardware, from tanks and drones to nuclear-capable missiles, fighter jets and stealth aircraft.
