Hot Mic Captures Leaders' Drive for Longevity

 

“BEIJING -- The spectacle of the leaders of China, Russia and North Korea sitting side by side and watching a parade of intercontinental ballistic missiles and other advanced weapons in Beijing on Wednesday raised no shortage of questions of great consequence for the U.S.

 

A hot-mic moment among them as they walked together up a red-carpeted ramp, brought up one such riddle: Just how long will these three leaders be sticking around?

 

With advances in technology, Russian President Vladimir Putin told China's Xi Jinping through a translator, "human organs can be constantly transplanted, to the extent that people can get younger, perhaps even immortal."

 

"It is predicted that by the end of the century, people in the future could live to be 150 years old," Xi responded.

 

Kim Jong Un, three decades younger than those two, looked on smiling.

 

The simple answer is that the U.S. will likely have to contend with the trio of strongmen for years. Each is positioned to remain in power as long as their health allows -- if not longer. None has an evident succession plan.

 

Xi, 72 years old, took power in 2012 and has pushed through overhauls that potentially allow him to serve as leader for life. Putin, also 72, has ruled Russia for 25 years; constitutional changes made on his watch allow him to continue until 2036. Kim, 41, is in position to rule for life, as his father and grandfather did.

 

The health of each is a secret, making their appearance together and their small talk about longevity, fresh fodder for actuarial speculation.

 

The trio steadily climbed steps to the parade-viewing rostrum. While there, Xi, in a Mao suit buttoned to the throat, seemed to manage well on a steamy morning, while Kim, beside him in a dark suit and tie, appeared to try to cool himself with a hand-held fan. Putin looked relaxed throughout. In a press conference later, he reiterated his comments about extending human life.” [1]

 

1. World News: Hot Mic Captures Leaders' Drive for Longevity. Spegele, Brian; Yoon, Dasl; Grove, Thomas.  Wall Street Journal, Eastern edition; New York, N.Y.. 05 Sep 2025: A18.