Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly discussed the idea of immortality during a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The meeting coincided with China’s World War II commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender.
According to a translator, the three leaders were overheard talking about extending human life through organ transplants and other biotechnologies. Xi reportedly said, “Earlier, people rarely lived to 70, but these days at 70 you are still a child,” to which Putin responded, “With the development of biotechnology, human organs can be continuously transplanted, and people can live younger and younger, and even achieve immortality.” Xi added that predictions suggest it may be possible to live up to 150 years in this century.
The discussion comes amid longstanding allegations of forced organ harvesting in China from detained minority groups. Human rights experts have previously expressed concern that prisoners were subjected to medical tests and organ removal without consent, with organs such as hearts, kidneys, livers, and corneas reportedly taken.
Putin’s health has been the subject of speculation in recent years, fueled by observations of him limping at public events and reports from former intelligence officials suggesting he may be seriously or terminally ill. Some analysts have speculated that concerns about his mortality may have influenced his decision to invade Ukraine in 2022.
The summit also highlighted the rare gathering of the three leaders, with Kim, Putin, and Xi appearing side by side at a massive military parade in Beijing attended by dozens of world leaders. KCNA, North Korea’s state media, released images showing the leaders walking together and reportedly exchanging “candid opinions on important international and regional issues.”
The meeting underscores both the personal and geopolitical dynamics among some of the world’s most controversial leaders, set against the backdrop of historical commemoration and ongoing global tensions.
