In a bizarre and revealing moment on the red carpet of China’s World War II victory parade, Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were caught on a hot microphone discussing radical life-extension through organ transplants. The conversation, apparently believed to be private, was inadvertently aired by Chinese state media and quickly picked up by observers.
“People rarely lived to be over 70, but these days, at 70 you are still a child,” Xi remarked through an interpreter. Putin replied, “Biotechnology is making advances. Human organs can be continuously transplanted. The longer you live, the younger you become—even achieve immortality.” The two men, both 72 years old, seemed to be seriously entertaining the idea of using advanced biotech to extend their lives far beyond natural limits.
Xi then added, “Some predict that in this century, humans may live to 150 years old.”
Putin’s interest in longevity is well documented. He has directed the Russian health ministry to prioritize life expectancy and ordered national research into 3D-printed organs, neurotechnology, and cell rejuvenation. His daughter, Maria Vorontsova, is notably involved in these scientific fields and has received substantial state funding for related research.
While the life expectancy of Russian men remains low—currently around 68 years—Putin, who rewrote the constitution to stay in power until 2036, seems determined to defy those odds. He’ll be 83 by the end of his extended term.
Xi, on the other hand, appears less visibly invested in personal longevity, though the mention of organ transplants by the head of a regime long accused of harvesting organs from political prisoners has raised red flags. Human rights groups have repeatedly condemned China for forcibly extracting organs from Uyghurs, Falun Gong practitioners, and other detainees—allegations the regime denies.
Hearing Xi speak casually about organ-based longevity led some critics to liken the scene to “Count Dracula giving wellness advice,” given the regime’s disturbing history.
Dr. James Markmann, president of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons Executive Council, responded to the story by emphasizing that transplants are meant to save lives—not prolong them indefinitely. “There is no evidence they could help people live to be 150, much less become immortal,” he stated, while pointing out the ethical crisis facing real patients: more than 100,000 Americans are currently awaiting lifesaving organ transplants.
