Anthony Yates
Immortality and living forever are dreams some people have as they get older. However, an eyebrow-raising exchange between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping was caught on a hot mic yesterday, discussing that very subject.
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What happened: According to a report by NBC News, 27 world leaders attended a military parade in Beijing on Wednesday. Per Euronews, other leaders at the parade include North Korea’s Kim Jong-Un and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
- NBC points out that both Putin and Xi are 72 years old and appeared to be discussing technological advances in life expectancy. The outlet claims the conversation is significant because both leaders have expressed interest in remaining in office for an extended time.
FOX News shared the alleged hot mic incident on Instagram.
- Per a dubbed translation, Xi Jinping reportedly told Putin, “In the past, people rarely lived longer than 70 years. But today, they say that at 70, you are still a child.”
- Putin reportedly told the Chinese leader, “Human organs can be continuously transplanted. The longer you live, the younger you become and can even achieve immortality.”
The Chinese And Russian Leaders Are Both On Extended Terms In Office
No hurry to pass the torch: NBC News points out that Xi Jinping has been president since 2013. He reportedly removed the two-term presidency limit on March 11, 2018.
- Following the policy change, Xi stayed in office for a third term in 2023. The outlet notes the change broke the long-standing Chinese tradition of changing leaders every decade.
- NBC News also says that Putin has remained in power in Russia since 2000. He reportedly won a referendum in 2020, which means he could stay in power until 2036.
- Putin reportedly confirmed with reporters that he had discussed the topic with the Chinese leader. “I believe the chairman talked about it when we were going to the parade,” he reportedly said.
- Per AP News, he also told reporters, “Modern health and medical technologies, surgical procedures connected with organ replacements and so on give humanity reason to hope that an active life can continue differently from now.” He reportedly added, “The average age varies across countries, of course. But life expectancy is significantly increasing.”
