Brazil president cancels trip to China: Statement

By Bala Chambers

BUENOS AIRES (AA) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva canceled his state visit Saturday to China because of ill health, according to a statement that was shared on Twitter.

It confirmed that on medical advice Lula decided to cancel his visit.

The statement said Chinese authorities have been notified about the situation and reiterated the Brazilian leader's desire to reschedule another visit on a new date.

A medical note carrying the name of Dr. Ana Helena Germoglio said Lula was admitted to a hospital in the nation’s capital of Brasilia on 23 March with flu-like symptoms.

After a medical assessment, it said Lula was diagnosed with "bacterial and viral bronchopneumonia due to influenza A" and he started medical treatment.

The note said after his medical reassessment today and despite improvements, the president's medical team recommended he cancel until his health improves.

Lula's office confirmed Friday that he was diagnosed with mild pneumonia.

China was set to be Lula's third state visit, after trips to meet with Argentine President Alberto Fernandez in Buenos Aires and his US counterpart, Joe Biden, in Washington.