At the last big military parade in Beijing the exchange was rather amusing. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed extending human lifespans to 150 years. On Wednesday, we commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Among the highlights of the event was the presence of a delegation of more than two dozen foreign officials, including North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.
As the leaders strolled hand in hand through Tiananmen Square, an open mic inadvertently recorded their discussion on organ transplants and longevity. Xi Jinping to international scientists, “Some people forecast that in this century… humans will live to be 150 years old.” His comment is a testament to increasing interest in longevity research and greater awareness of the biotechnology ecosystem.
CCTV recorded and licensed the footage used from this conversation. Later, Reuters compressed it down into a four-minute visual essay. Along with the communications strength of this video hit more than 1,200 media clients around the world. More importantly, it spotlights the coy brilliance of their crucial conversations.
Midway into the conversation, Putin’s interpreter cut in. In booming fashion, he proclaimed, “Biotechnology is advancing at lightning speed. We can now even transplant human organs on the fly, so you’ll get to live forever…or become younger! This belief perfectly encapsulates the current conversation about medical progress and its potential to extend human life.
That somber military parade offered a poignant backdrop for an important conversation. It became the focus of international attention, drawing strong focus to its historical significance and the attainable visions presented by two of the world’s foremost innovators. This unprecedented event was a testament to the collaborative relationship between China and Russia, particularly in domains including science and technology.
