How Vladimir Putin’s chance encounter with a Chinese boy in Beijing shaped a life’s path

Russian 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, who arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a two-day visit, received Peng at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse and praised his decision to study in Russia, which he said was “very pleasing” to him, according to a Kremlin statement.

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, it said.

The two shared a hug after a long handshake, exchanged utensils and memorabilia, and Putin signed a commemorative photo of their first meeting.

Putin noted that the meeting with Peng was taking place on a significant day – 72 years after former Chinese leader Mao Zedong stated that China must fight American imperialism.

Mao was also born in Hunan, where he started his revolutionary activities.