Chinese engineer recalls being kissed by 'kind uncle' Vladimir Putin 25 years ago: 'Feel so lucky'

A viral social media campaign by Russian state broadcaster RT has led to the rediscovery of a Chinese boy who was photographed with President Vladimir Putin during his first official visit to Beijing in 2000. Peng Pai, now 37, recounted how a 47-year-old Putin lifted him from the crowd, kissed his forehead, and spoke a few words in Russian.

Speaking to RT, Peng said that after touring the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Russian President spontaneously decided to row in a public park—an unplanned move that drew a crowd. Among them was 12-year-old Peng, who stood on a stone railing to wave at him. It was then that Putin interacted with him and clicked pictures.

Peng told Red Net that the moment left a deep impression. “President Putin was like a kind uncle to me,” he said. “I feel so lucky to have been lifted out of that crowd.”

The encounter sparked Peng’s interest in Russia, South China Morning Post (SCMP). He began studying Russian and, in 2007, received the Russian Presidential Scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in bridge and tunnel engineering in Moscow. After graduating in 2013, he returned to China and now heads the engineering department at a major construction firm. His team has earned national recognition for innovations in bridge design.