Reuters pulls Xi, Putin longevity video after China state TV demanded its removal

The footage was recorded during a military parade in Beijing that commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II

By Nicholas Ballasy

Published: September 7, 2025 3:45pm

Reuters pulled a four-minute video capturing a candid exchange between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where the two discussed the possibility of living to 150 years or having immortality.

The footage was recorded during a military parade in Beijing that commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. It was aired on China Central Television (CCTV), and licensed to Reuters for distribution.

CCTV demanded its removal. Reuters ultimately withdrew the video.