September 4, 2025 | 02:01 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A hot mic caught a private conversation between China's Xi Jinping and the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, during a military parade in Beijing, aired inadvertently by state media. Accompanied by North Korea's Kim Jong-un, as well as two dozen other world leaders, Xi Jinping and Putin were heard engrossed in conversation. Putin's interpreter was heard saying in Chinese, "Biotechnology is continuously developing."
After a moment of inaudible conversation, the interpreter continued, "Human organs can be continuously transplanted. The longer you live, the younger you become, and [you can] even achieve immortality."
Xi Jinping, who was not visible on camera, was heard responding in Chinese. "Some predict that in this century humans may live to 150 years old," he said, as quoted by Sky News.
The unexpected moment was recorded in the live broadcast of the event. China's radio and TV administration reported that the coverage of the event by national broadcaster CCTV was watched by more than 400 million viewers on television.
The Russian President later confirmed that he and Xi Jinping had discussed the subject on Wednesday. "I think when we went to the parade, the chairman talked about it," Putin told reporters in Beijing when asked about the leaked conversation.
"Modern means of health improvement, medical means, even surgical ones related to organ replacement, they allow humanity to hope that active life will continue differently than it does today," he said.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and CCTV did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
As Xi Jinping began to speak, the video switched to a wide shot of Tiananmen Square and the audio faded. Only about 30 seconds later, Xi Jinping, Putin, and Kim appeared again on camera as they walked up the stairs to watch the military parade.
At the event, Xi Jinping inspected advanced military equipment and troops, including hypersonic missiles and naval drones. In front of more than 50,000 spectators, Xi Jinping said the world is at a crossroads between "peace or war."
President Prabowo Subianto was present at the Chinese military parade. From circulating photos, he stood alongside Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un, and Putin.
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