Reuters Removes Video of Putin-Xi Conversation After Chinese State Media Withdraws Permission

International Desk | PNN

Reuters has removed a video showing a conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, in which they discussed organ transplants and the possibility of extending human lifespan to 150 years.

China’s state media, China Central Television (CCTV), requested the video’s removal, withdrawing its legal permission. CCTV’s legal team alleged that Reuters violated the terms of their agreement and edited the footage in a way that misrepresented the original statements.

The incident occurred on Wednesday in Beijing, when Putin and Xi attended a military parade with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Their conversation was caught on an open microphone. In the clip, Putin’s interpreter is heard saying, “Biotechnology is advancing. Organ transplants can continue, and longevity—even immortality—may be achievable.” Xi responded, “Many believe that human lifespan could reach 150 years in this century.”

Using CCTV footage, Reuters produced a roughly four-minute video and distributed it to over a thousand media outlets worldwide. The video also circulated widely on social media.

However, CCTV’s legal notice stated that the editing led to “misrepresentation of statements,” making it necessary to remove the video. On Friday, Reuters took down the video from its website.