Immortality Talk Between Putin and Xi Sparks Medical Backlash

A hot mic moment between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing has ignited global chatter after the pair speculated that organ transplants might one day extend human life to 150 years. The remarks, caught by Reuters as the leaders walked with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un during a military parade marking 80 years since WWII’s end, included Putin’s suggestion that “human organs can be continuously transplanted” to slow aging and even achieve “immortality.” Xi added that some scientists predict lifespans could reach 150 this century.

But Dr. James Markmann, a leading U.S. transplant surgeon and president of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons Executive Council, swiftly dismissed the claims. Speaking to Fox News Digital, he said there is “no scientific evidence” that transplants can prolong life to such extremes. “The ethical concern isn’t immortality but equity, access, and making sure organs save lives today,” he stressed, noting that over 100,000 Americans currently await lifesaving organ donations.

While Putin has previously invested in longevity research—backing institutes focused on organ regeneration and cellular rejuvenation—experts warn that the hype risks overshadowing pressing medical realities. Xi, meanwhile, has framed biotechnology as a pillar of China’s future growth. Yet, as the political theater of Beijing’s parade drew headlines, Markmann’s reminder was blunt: the world’s leaders may dream of immortality, but patients today need fairness, ethics, and timely transplants more than fantasies of eternal youth.