A TV microphone captured a bizarre exchange between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping earlier today. As they walked side by side, they discussed organ transplants and the possibility of people living to 150, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
The conversation was recorded during a parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The two leaders walked alongside North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and more than 20 other foreign guests as they watched the military parade.
Part of the conversation was broadcast live on China Central Television and shared with other media outlets, including Reuters and the Associated Press. According to the China Radio and Television Administration, the broadcast was watched 1.9 billion times online and by more than 400 million people.
As they walked towards Tiananmen Square, Putin's interpreter was heard saying in Chinese: "Biotechnology is constantly developing," adding that "human organs can be transplanted continuously. The longer you live, the younger you become, and you can even achieve immortality."
In response, Xi said in Chinese: "Some have predicted that in this century, people will be able to live to be 150 years old." Kim smiled and looked at Putin and Xi, but it was not clear whether his conversation was being translated. Putin is not clearly heard speaking Russian in the clip.
About 30 seconds later, the three leaders reappeared in the frame as they walked toward the parade observation platform.
During the event, Xi told more than 50,000 spectators that the world faced a choice between "peace or war" as he inspected troops and military equipment, including hypersonic missiles and naval drones.