Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese engineer Pang Pai on Wednesday. More than 25 years ago, during a presidential visit to Beijing, Putin had noticed Pang, then a 12-year-old boy. Now an adult and an engineer, Pang was reunited with Putin in this unexpected encounter.
Putin, who arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a two-day visit, welcomed Pang at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Praising Pang’s decision to study in Russia, Putin described it as “an extremely joyful matter.” He also acknowledged that, since Pang was born in southern China, the climate there differs from Moscow’s and expressed hope that Pang had found a good and friendly environment in Russia.
After a lengthy handshake, the two embraced. Gifts and souvenirs were exchanged, and Putin signed a photograph commemorating their first meeting. According to the Russian state media outlet RT, their initial encounter took place in July 2000 during Putin’s first visit to China as Russia’s leader. While visiting Beihai Park after touring the Forbidden City, Putin unexpectedly met Pang. This visit was not part of the official itinerary, and the park had not been cleared of the public. RT’s report noted that Putin bypassed armed officers on duty to approach and notice young Pang.
