Russian media search for China boy who met Putin 25 years ago; now engineer recalls kiss
Touching interaction in Beijing park quarter of a century ago sparks moves to make a presidential reunion reality later this year
A Russian media search for a Chinese boy who had his photo taken with President Vladimir Putin 25 years ago has gone viral on mainland social media.
Now an engineer, the man has recalled the moment the president kissed his forehead and says the encounter had a lasting impact on his life.
On July 17, Russia Today TV, which is also known as RT, posted a “missing person search” on a major social media platform.
The post recounted how, on July 17, 2000, Putin, then 47, made his first official visit to Beijing as President.
After visiting the Forbidden City, Putin suggested rowing in a park. The sudden change of plan left security unable to clear the area in time, drawing a crowd of tourists.
During the visit, Putin interacted with a 12-year-old Chinese boy and his father, creating a heartwarming moment captured by photographers.
The boy, Peng Pai, is reportedly from Yueyang City in Hunan province, central China.