Camilla Jessen
Microphone reveals Putin and Xi Jinping’s strange conversation.
A live microphone captured a surprising exchange between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on a topic far removed from geopolitics.
Private Talk, Public Microphone
A private conversation between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping was unexpectedly broadcast to the world on September 3, after a microphone above their podium was accidentally left on during a military parade in Beijing.
The two leaders, joined by North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, were in the Chinese capital to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II at a large-scale event in Tiananmen Square.
An Unexpected Topic
As Putin and Xi walked to the viewing platform, their conversation—intended to be confidential—was picked up and aired live by Chinese state media.
Instead of political strategy or military affairs, the two presidents discussed the prospects of living longer and even achieving immortality.
“In the past, it used to be rare for someone to be older than 70, and these days they say that at 70 one’s still a child,” Xi’s interpreter translated for Putin.
Immortality and Organ Transplants
Putin appeared deeply engaged.
His response, relayed via interpreter into Chinese, stated: “With the development of biotechnology, human organs can be continuously transplanted, and people can live younger and younger, and even achieve immortality.”
A Glimpse Into Putin’s Views
Putin then added that “Predictions are, this century, there’s a chance of also living to 150 [years old],” according to the translated audio picked up by open microphones and reported by the BBC and Reuters.
While it remains unclear whether North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who accompanied them, was included in the exchange, he was seen smiling during the conversation.
Immortality as Kremlin Obsession
The topic of human longevity and life extension is not new in the context of the Kremlin’s inner circle.
According to Russian investigative outlet Meduza, Putin’s interest in life extension research has been described as an “obsession.”
State Funded Research
The report states that Mikhail Kovalchuk—a close ally of Putin—is overseeing Russian research into biotechnology, including cloning and lab-grown organ transplants.
Kovalchuk has reportedly received state support for these ventures.
Putin’s Daughter Involved in Research
Putin’s daughter, Maria Vorontsova, is also involved in related scientific efforts.
According to The Guardian, she has secured significant government funding for research into cell regeneration and human lifespan extension.
Her work is believed to be part of a broader Russian initiative focused on biotechnology and futuristic medical treatments aimed at increasing human longevity.
Official Response from Putin
Following the event, Putin addressed the incident in a statement carried by Russian state media TASS.
While not directly referencing the broadcast slip, he confirmed that average life expectancy differs across countries and emphasized that it is expected to grow considerably in the future.
No Clarification from Beijing
Chinese officials have not publicly commented on the hot mic moment.
The audio was aired by Chinese broadcasters before clips circulated widely on social media and were picked up by international outlets.
