Lula Clarifies: It Was Me, Not Janja, Who Questioned Xi Jinping About TikTok

Lula Addresses TikTok Question Controversy in China During a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva addressed a recent controversy surrounding a question about TikTok posed to Chinese President Xi Jinping. The initial reports suggested that the question originated from First Lady Janja Lula da Silva, but Lula clarified that he was the one who raised the issue during a private dinner. "The first thing I find strange is how this question reached the press," Lula stated, "because only my ministers were present." He highlighted the confidential nature of the dinner conversation, expressing his disapproval of the leak. He added that the question was about sending a Chinese representative to Brazil to discuss the regulation of digital platforms. Janja, according to Lula, only added her concerns about the impact of social media on children. Lula emphasized that if any of his ministers were uncomfortable with the discussion, they should have addressed their concerns directly to him, rather than leaking the information to the press. The incident underscores the sensitivities surrounding international relations and the importance of maintaining confidentiality in high-level discussions. The Brazilian government's commitment to regulating digital platforms and protecting children online remains a key focus.