Reuters has removed a four-minute clip from a military parade in Beijing after a request from China Central Television (CCTV). The controversial video showed Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussing the possibility of extending human life through modern technologies.
According to a Reuters report, CCTV initially approved the use of parade footage, including the disputed conversation. Reuters then edited it into a four-minute video and distributed it to thousands of subscribers, including major global broadcasters. Similar material was shared by other international agencies.
However, on Friday, Reuters received an official legal notice from CCTV, demanding the removal of the video. CCTV argued that Reuters had violated usage terms, claiming:
“The editorial processing of the material resulted in a significant distortion of facts and statements contained in the licensed footage.”
Reuters eventually withdrew the video but maintained that it had committed no wrongdoing.
“We have carefully reviewed the footage and see no reason to believe that our longstanding commitment to accurate and impartial journalism was breached,” the agency said.
What did Putin and Xi say?
The parade in Beijing took place on September 3. The video captured the two leaders talking while walking toward the tribune.
Xi’s interpreter conveyed his words to Putin:
“In the past, people rarely lived beyond 70 years, but today, they say at 70 you are still a child.”
Putin then responded:
“Thanks to the development of biotechnology, human organs can be continuously transplanted, allowing people to feel younger and potentially even reach immortality.”
Xi replied:
“Forecasts show that this century, there is a chance people may live up to 150 years.”
Both leaders are 72 years old.
