Censorship Concerns Raised After Chinese State Media Pulls Video of Xi–Putin Organ Transplant Discussion

The conversation ‘raises the spectre of forced organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience,’ a human rights group stated.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping (C), Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jung Un, and others on a large screen as they arrive at a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II, in Tiananmen Square in Beijing on Sept. 3, 2025. Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

China’s state-owned broadcaster has rescinded international wire agency access to hot mic video footage of Chinese and Russian leaders discussing longevity and organ transplants, an effort that shows the Chinese regime’s fear of attention on the topic, critics say.

The open mic exchange between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping took place in Beijing on Sept. 3, as the two leaders walked together ahead of a military parade commemorating World War II.