Over 25 years ago, Russia’s then new president visited China for the first time, noticing a young Hunan native in Beihai Park
2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenCao Jiaxuanin BeijingPublished: 4:21pm, 20 May 2026Russian President Vladimir Putin met Chinese engineer Peng Pai on Wednesday, over a quarter century after a chance encounter between the two when Peng was 12 years old during Putin’s first presidential visit to China.
Putin received Peng at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing and praised his decision to study in Russia, which he said was “very pleasing” to him.
He also observed that Peng was born in southern China, where the weather is different from Moscow, and said he hoped Peng had found a good and friendly environment there.
The two shared a hug after a long handshake, exchanged utensils and memorabilia, and Putin signed a commemorative photo of their first meeting.
According to Russian state broadcaster RT, the initial encounter took place in July 2000, when Putin made an unscheduled stop at Beijing’s Beihai Park after touring the Forbidden City during his first trip to China as Russia’s leader.
The park visit was not part of the official itinerary and the area had not been cleared. RT reported that Putin bypassed on-duty armed police and noticed the young boy.
