Tensions have escalated following a state dinner in Beijing between Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The dinner, hosted by President Xi, did not feature any formal speeches or official statements. Nevertheless, President Lula raised the issue of regulating digital platforms and inquired whether the Chinese government could send an official representative to Brazil to discuss the matter further.
In the wake of this request, Brazil’s First Lady, Rosangela “Janja” da Silva, openly criticized TikTok for promoting what she described as “harmful content.” She cited the tragic case of an 8-year-old Brazilian girl who died after inhaling spray deodorant while participating in a dangerous “deodorant challenge” circulated on the platform. Additionally, media reports indicate that Janja expressed concern over TikTok’s algorithm, claiming it disproportionately promotes right-wing content in Brazil, thereby contributing to political polarization and the spread of disinformation.
Eyewitnesses to the event reported that China’s First Lady, Peng Liyuan, appeared visibly disturbed by Janja’s remarks, reportedly describing them as “disrespectful to Xi Jinping.”
Although the dinner took place behind closed doors, details of the incident were leaked to the media afterward. The presence of official representatives from both countries, including several Brazilian ministers, has raised internal questions and concerns within the Brazilian government. As of now, neither the Chinese delegation nor the Chinese Embassy in Brazil has issued any public statements regarding the matter.
