A medical note indicates that Lula was admitted to the Sirio-Libanés hospital in Brasilia on March 23 with flu-like symptoms.

After clinical evaluation, a diagnosis of bacterial and viral bronchopneumonia due to influenza A was made, and treatment was started.

After a reassessment this Saturday and, despite the clinical improvement, the medical service of the presidency “recommends the postponement of the trip to China until the viral transmission cycle is closed”, indicates doctor Ana Helena Germoglio, quoted by the press secretary of the Planalto Palace, seat of the Executive Branch.

When it is decided, Lula will travel to the Asian giant accompanied by 102 businessmen, as well as governors, senators, deputies and ministers, to strengthen relations in different spheres.

The federal government confirmed that the purpose of the trip is “to promote the relaunch of relations with what has been the country’s main trading partner since 2009.”

Last year, China imported more than 89.7 billion dollars in Brazilian products, especially soybeans and minerals, and exported almost 60.7 billion dollars to the domestic market.

The volume traded, 150.4 billion dollars, grew 21 times since Lula’s first visit to the Asian giant, in 2004.

The trip was also planned in the week in which Brazil exports beef again after a month of suspension.

Sales of the product were halted after the discovery on February 22 of a case of so-called mad cow disease (a brain disease in adult bovines that can be transmitted to humans by contaminated meat) at a national ranch.

When Lula’s visit is rescheduled, it is expected that at least 20 bilateral agreements will be signed, including the construction of CBERS-6, the sixth in a line of satellites built in partnership between Brazil and China.

ef/oda/ocs