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https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/03/hot-mic-catches-vladimir-putin-xi-jinping-discussing-organ-transplants-immortality>
"The authoritarian strongmen Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping have mused on how
organ transplants might lead to immortality, during a brief exchange of small
talk caught on a hot mic at a military parade.
The Russian president was in Beijing on Wednesday with the Chinese leader, who
hosted allies for a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the
second world war.
As Putin and Xi walked at the head of a delegation of foreign leaders, state
media aired live footage that captured parts of what appeared to be a private
conversation. While they made their way towards a raised platform in Tiananmen
Square, Putin’s interpreter could be heard saying in Chinese: “Biotechnology is
continuously developing.”
After a brief inaudible passage, the interpreter added: “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, could be heard responding in Chinese: “Some predict
that in this century humans may live to 150 years old.”
Putin confirmed later to reporters he had discussed prospects for significantly
increasing human life expectancy with Xi.
Both leaders have shown little intention of relinquishing power in their
lifetimes. In 2018, Xi abolished presidential term limits, paving the way for
him to rule indefinitely. Putin has also changed Russian law to allow him to
remain in high office."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
