Putin and Xi Overheard Discussing Life Extension, Sparking Global Buzz

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping were briefly overheard discussing life extension during a live broadcast of Beijing’s Sept. 3 military parade, when comments about biotechnology, organ transplants and the possibility of greatly extended lifespans were captured on a hot mic.

In the exchange, Xi reportedly said some predict people may live to 150, while Putin referenced advances in surgical techniques and organ replacement that could allow people to “live younger and younger” and even hinted at “immortality.” The clip, aired during the leaders’ appearance together in Tiananmen Square, quickly circulated across international media, prompting follow-up comments from Kremlin and Chinese state outlets reiterating long-standing interest in longevity research but offering no new policy announcements. Many in the crypto community have also shown interest in life-extension technology, notably Vitalik Buterin.