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Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were caught on a hot mic discussing the potential for people to live up to 150 years.

Getting into it: The moment was captured as the two leaders walked with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Xi said, “Earlier, people rarely lived to 70. But these days at 70, you are still a child.” Putin’s translator then added, “With the development of biotechnology, human organs can be continuously transplanted. The longer you live, the younger you become, and [you can] even achieve immortality.” Xi responded, off-camera but audibly, “Some predict that in this century, humans may live to 150 years old.”

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While Xi has not addressed the comments, Putin confirmed the conversation to reporters, saying, “I think when we went to the parade, the chairman [Xi] talked about it. Modern means of health improvement, medical means, even surgical ones related to organ replacement, allow humanity to hope that active life will continue differently than it does today.”

The comments came as both countries have shown growing interest in longevity research and biotechnological advancement. In Russia, the Kremlin has directed government scientists to fast-track research into anti-aging. In China, biotechnology is a booming industry supported by both state and private investment.

China’s biotechnological advances have not been free of controversy. The country has long faced international criticism over allegations of forced organ harvesting, particularly from imprisoned and persecuted minority groups such as the Uyghurs.

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