Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on the evening of 19/5, beginning a two-day official visit. Beyond his scheduled meetings with Chinese government officials, he arranged a special reunion with Peng Pai, a man from Yueyang city, Hunan province, who had a photo taken with him at Beihai Park 26 years ago.

Peng Pai at his office in Changsha, the capital of Hunan province, China, on 5/8/2025. *Photo: Hunan Today*

Peng Pai, now 38, traveled to Beijing on 19/5, filled with excitement. He prepared a set of Liling porcelain, a famous product from Hunan province, as a gift for President Putin.

"You are still as dashing as ever, while the boy from that year has become a middle-aged man", Peng Pai said when asked what he most wanted to convey during his reunion with Putin.

Putin first visited Beijing in 2000 as Russia's president. After touring the Forbidden City, he requested a boat ride in the park. This sudden change in plans prevented security forces from clearing the area in time, attracting a crowd of tourists.

As Putin left the boat and waved to the crowd, Peng Pai stood on the lakeside railing, waving back. The Russian president then lifted the boy from the railing, kissed his forehead, and spoke something in Russian that Peng Pai did not understand at the time.

Putin photographed with Peng Pai at Beihai Park, Beijing, on 19/7/2000. *Photo: Xinhua*

Peng Pai described Putin as "a kind uncle" and stated that the moment he met the Russian leader changed his life. Inspired by the encounter, Peng Pai developed an interest in Russia and began learning Russian.

In 2007, Peng Pai received a Russian Presidential Scholarship and pursued a degree in bridge and road engineering at a leading university in Moscow. After returning to China, he entered the construction sector and is now a senior engineer.

Hong Hanh (According to ENanyang)