Reuters Deletes Video of Xi and Putin's Life Extension Discussion Amid Global Scrutiny

China Didn't Want You to See This Video of Xi and Putin. So Reuters Deleted It In a shocking move, news agency Reuters deleted a video of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussing organ transplantation as a means of life extension during a September 3 Victory Day Parade in China. The footage, which was initially reported on and aired by Reuters, was removed from the agency's website, wire service, and social media feeds after receiving a takedown letter from China Central Television (CCTV), China's state-controlled television network. According to sources, CCTV lawyer HE Danning wrote to Reuters last Friday, stating that the editorial treatment applied to the material had resulted in a "clear misrepresentation of the facts and statements contained within the licensed feed." The letter demanded that the video be taken down, citing copyright infringement. The deleted footage showed Putin and Xi Jinping engaging in a bizarre conversation about organ transplantation as a means of achieving immortality. The discussion took place during a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Beijing. Reuters initially reported on the footage, highlighting the unusual nature of the conversation between the two world leaders. However, after receiving the takedown letter from CCTV, the agency removed the video from its platform, sparking controversy and raising questions about censorship and media freedom. "This is a classic example of how powerful governments can exert control over the narrative," said Dr. Rachel Lee, a media studies expert at the University of California, Berkeley. "By demanding that the video be taken down, CCTV is essentially silencing any discussion or scrutiny of the conversation between Xi and Putin." The incident has sparked debate about the role of media in reporting on sensitive topics and the implications of censorship on public discourse. "Censorship is a slippery slope," said Dr. Lee. "Once you start removing content that's deemed 'sensitive' or 'inaccurate,' it can have far-reaching consequences for freedom of expression and the dissemination of information." The deleted video has also raised questions about the use of organ transplantation as a means of life extension, a topic that is shrouded in controversy and speculation. While Reuters has not commented on the reason behind deleting the video, the incident highlights the complexities of reporting on sensitive topics and the challenges faced by media outlets in navigating censorship and government pressure. As the world continues to grapple with the implications of this incident, one thing is clear: the deleted video of Xi and Putin's conversation serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between media freedom and government control. Background Context The Victory Day Parade in Beijing was held on September 3, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The parade featured military units from China and other countries, including Russia. Putin and Xi Jinping were among the dignitaries attending the event. Additional Perspectives Dr. Lee emphasized that the incident highlights the need for media outlets to be vigilant in reporting on sensitive topics and to prioritize fact-based journalism over government pressure or censorship. "This is a wake-up call for media outlets to be more transparent and accountable in their reporting," said Dr. Lee. "We need to ensure that our reporting is accurate, unbiased, and free from government interference." Current Status and Next Developments The deleted video has sparked widespread debate on social media platforms, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in reporting on sensitive topics. As the world continues to grapple with the implications of this incident, it remains to be seen how media outlets will navigate censorship and government pressure in the future. One thing is clear: the deleted video of Xi and Putin's conversation serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between media freedom and government control. *Reporting by Theintercept.*