What Is A Hot Mic & How Xi-Putin’s ‘Living To 150’ Chat Went Viral | Explained

Last Updated:September 04, 2025, 18:00 IST

Both 72, Xi Jinping and Putin discussed longevity, with Putin directing his health ministry to prioritise efforts to extend human life expectancy significantly

Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin discussed the potential to extend human life, organ transplantation, and modern biotechnology experiments. (AP/File)

During the recent military parade in Beijing, a hot mic moment between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin was broadcast by China’s government media, sparking global discussion. As the leaders walked towards the stage, they engaged in casual conversation, discussing topics related to biotechnology and longevity.

Question: What is a hot mic? What happens in it?

Answer: A hot mic refers to a situation where a microphone is unintentionally left on without the speaker’s knowledge, capturing private conversations or comments that are subsequently broadcast or recorded. These incidents often lead to public discussion or controversy.

This scenario unfolded with Xi Jinping and Putin. During the military parade in Beijing, their conversation about biotechnology, organ transplantation, and the prospect of human life extending to 150 years was recorded via a hot mic and went viral.

Interestingly, their translator was also present, translating the conversation for them. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who was accompanying them, also participated.

Question – What is the exact meaning of hot mic and what are the technical reasons?

Answer: A hot mic is precisely defined as a microphone that is on without the user’s awareness, inadvertently recording or broadcasting conversations, sounds, or comments while the user believes the mic is off.

Hot mic incidents generally occur in live studios, press conferences, or public places where a microphone connected to a mixer, audio device, or recording system remains active. Sound waves are converted into electrical signals by the microphone and transmitted to the device. This can happen due to a sound engineer’s mistake, technical staff error, or automatic signals in a live setup, resulting in confidential or unfiltered information reaching the public.

Technically, the issue arises from incorrect switching, audio engineer mistakes, or auto-mode settings that keep the mic on and recording everything.

Donald Trump has often found himself in the headlines due to hot mic moments.

Question – Which hot mic incidents involving leaders sparked controversies?

Answer: Many leaders have experienced hot mic moments, but Donald Trump’s incidents have attracted the most attention and controversy. At the NATO summit in 2029, fellow leaders mocked Trump, and the conversation went viral, leading to significant controversy. Trump’s private conversations during 2017, 2019, and 2025, including diplomatic talks with leaders from Russia, France, and Germany, have repeatedly been discussed.

In 2012, Barak Obama’s comment to Russian President Medvedev, “I will have more flexibility after the election,” was recorded and caused controversy. Similarly, at the Quad summit, Biden’s inadvertent comment regarding Xi Jinping and China went viral. Hot mics typically reveal private conversations of leaders to the public, breaking confidentiality.

Question – What is the context of the hot mic between Xi Jinping and Putin that has come into discussions?

Answer: During the recent Victory Day military parade in Beijing, Xi Jinping, Putin, and Kim Jong Un were walking together when their conversation was recorded by a hot mic and broadcast. In this dialogue, Xi and Putin discussed the potential to extend human life, organ transplantation, and modern biotechnology experiments, with translators aiding their communication.

Xi Jinping mentioned that even at 70 years old, a person feels young nowadays and suggested that in this century, people could live up to 150 years. Putin responded by saying organs could be replaced multiple times, possibly leading to immortality.

This conversation went viral after being inadvertently leaked by the hot mic, later confirmed by Putin. According to international experts, through this exchange, both leaders hinted at their desire to remain in power for many years.

Both Xi Jinping and Putin are currently 72 years old, and Putin has expressed a strong interest in longevity. He has tasked his health ministry with prioritising efforts to increase life expectancy. Rosatom, a key Russian state-owned nuclear energy group, announced last year that it was developing technology to “print” human organs.

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