Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping were overheard speculating about longevity and even the prospect of immortality during a brief exchange at a military parade in Beijing, according to live state television footage. The Guardian reports Putin was in China on Wednesday to attend commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, where he and Xi led a procession of foreign leaders through Tiananmen Square. As the two walked together, Putin’s interpreter was heard on a live broadcast saying in Chinese: “Biotechnology is continuously developing. H

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping were overheard speculating about longevity and even the prospect of immortality during a brief exchange at a military parade in Beijing, according to live state television footage. The Guardian reports Putin was in China on Wednesday to attend commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, where he and Xi led a procession of foreign leaders through Tiananmen Square. As the two walked together, Putin’s interpreter was heard on a live broadcast saying in Chinese: “Biotechnology is continuously developing. Human organs can be continuously transplanted. The longer you live, the younger you become, and [you can] even achieve immortality.” Xi, who was off camera, responded: “Some predict that in this century humans may live to 150 years old.” Putin later confirmed to reporters that the pair had briefly discussed the possibility of extending human life expectancy. Both leaders have moved to entrench themselves in power. Xi scrapped presidential term limits in 2018, allowing him to rule indefinitely, while Putin altered Russia’s constitution to potentially stay in office for years to come. Longevity has long fascinated parts of Russia’s political elite. Putin last year ordered the creation of a state-backed research center, New Health Preservation Technologies, aimed at developing treatments to slow aging and extend life. Independent outlet Meduza has reported that Mikhail Kovalchuk, a close Putin ally, is spearheading Russian research into organ-printing technology and cellular regeneration. Putin’s eldest daughter, endocrinologist Maria Vorontsova, has also received millions in government funding for genetic research focused on life extension. During the Beijing parade, the two leaders were joined by North Korean ruler Kim Jong-un, who appeared to be listening but did not visibly take part in the conversation. China’s largest-ever military parade featured tens of thousands of spectators and a display of tanks, drones, nuclear-capable missiles, stealth aircraft and fighter jets. Xi used the occasion to declare China “unstoppable” and “never intimidated by any bullies,” remarks widely seen as directed at the United States and its allies. Other foreign leaders in attendance included Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.  

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