Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have been overheard discussing organ transplants as a means of prolonging life on the sidelines of a military parade in Beijing.
Putin suggested even eternal life could be achievable as a result of innovations in biotechnology, according to a translation of remarks caught on a hot mic.
The unguarded moment was captured on a livestream carried by Chinese state TV as the two leaders and North Korea's Kim Jong Un walked together through China's historic Tiananmen Square.
Xi and Putin have been in power for 13 and 25 years respectively, with neither suggesting any intention of stepping down. This raises intriguing possibilities, especially as they discussed using organ transplants to enhance longevity.
During the exchange, Xi's interpreter noted, In the past, it used to be rare for someone to be older than 70, but these days they say that at 70 one's still a child. Subsequently, a Russian interpreter conveyed Putin's view on advancements in biotechnology, stating that continuous organ transplants could allow people to live longer and possibly achieve immortality. Xi’s interpreter added a prediction that this century could see individuals living up to 150 years old.
Putin later reiterated his thoughts to Russian media, emphasizing that modern medical methods could significantly extend human life expectancy across nations.
The exchange has sparked discussions about the implications of biotechnology in governance and personal health, underscoring the intertwining of political aspirations with scientific advancements. It suggests that both leaders are looking beyond mere political strategies, extending their vision to the transformation of human existence itself.
This candid moment also coincides with a broader context, where Xi and Putin aim to present unified front against the backdrop of rising tensions in global geopolitics. Their partnership is depicted not only as a strategic alliance but as one that could reshape global dynamics in the coming century.
