Russian presidential aide reveals: Putin will meet the boy he kissed in Beijing 26 years ago!
Russian netizens reflect: It's been 26 years—back then, the boy has already gone bald.
Reported by TASS on May 19.
During his visit to China, Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with Chinese engineer Peng Pai, who was photographed with the statesman during Putin’s first state visit to China in 2000.
The news was revealed by presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, stating that the meeting will take place at the leaders’ official residence.
Ushakov noted that Putin had met Peng Pai when he was still a child, and now the young man has grown into adulthood, receiving his education in Moscow and working as an engineer at a major enterprise in China.
The Kremlin views this meeting as symbolically significant.
The story began 26 years ago at Beijing’s Beihai Park, where a boy waved at the Russian president.
At the time, Putin lifted the child down from a stone railing, kissed his forehead, and took a photo together.
Now 36 years old, Peng Pai developed an interest in Russia after that encounter, studied Russian, graduated from Moscow Automotive and Highway Institute, and even adopted a Russian name—Pasha.
Now, participants from that 2000 photograph will reunite once again in Beijing.
For Sino-Russian relations, this anecdote is not only a human-interest story but also a testament to the bonds forged between the two nations over decades.
Peng Pai himself has recounted how that chance meeting with Putin 25 years ago profoundly influenced his life.
According to his recollection, it all happened at Beijing’s Beihai Park, where he unexpectedly learned that the Russian president was present.
Ultimately, that photo of a young child unaware of its significance has become a pivotal part of Peng Pai’s life.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865563777032260/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.