Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has postponed his visit to China due to illness, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed on Sunday when answering a media question.

"The Brazilian side has notified the Chinese side of the decision to postpone President Lula da Silva's visit to China," said the spokesperson, according to a transcript on the ministry's website, adding that China understands and respects that.

China sends warm thoughts to President Lula da Silva and wishes him a speedy recovery, the spokesperson noted. The Chinese side will stay in communication with the Brazilian side about the visit.

(Cover: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the launching of Bolsa Familia on March 2, 2023./CFP)