A candid exchange between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during commemorations in Beijing has sparked global attention after being broadcast live and widely shared online.
The video, first highlighted by Bloomberg after circulating on social media, shows Xi walking between Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at events marking the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan in World War II.
“People used to live until 70, but these days at 70 you are still a child,” Xi is heard saying. Putin, through a translator, responded: “With the development of biotechnology, human organs can be transplanted continuously, and people can live younger and younger—perhaps even achieve immortality.” The conversation was simultaneously translated into Korean, with references to organ transplants included.
Quite a hot mic moment on CCTV in Beijing today as Putin and Xi, both 72 years old, are caught casually talking about living to 150 and maybe forever thanks to organ transplants. (As picked up by Bloomberg.) pic.twitter.com/kC4VTRaobq
— Yaroslav Trofimov (@yarotrof) September 3, 2025
Xi reportedly closed the exchange by adding: “The predictions are that, this century, it may be possible to live up to 150.”
According to Bloomberg, health and longevity are sensitive issues for the three leaders, none of whom has publicly named a successor. Both Xi and Putin are 72, with Xi having removed presidential term limits in China and preparing for a possible fourth term in 2027, while Putin altered Russian law to extend his rule. Kim, at 41, brought his daughter to Beijing, fueling speculation he is grooming her as heir.
The unusual exchange was also reposted by Yaroslav Trofimov, chief foreign affairs correspondent of the Wall Street Journal, who shared the video on X.
