Javier Milei announces he will travel to China: “It is an interesting partner”
Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
The president of Argentina, Javier Milei, has shifted his stance toward China, seeking to strengthen trade relations and attract investments that could help revive the country’s recession-hit economy. Although Milei had previously rejected doing business with China due to his ideological opposition to communism, he has recently shown a significant change, praising China as an “interesting trade partner” and announcing a trip to the country in January 2025 to meet with President Xi Jinping.
This shift in Milei’s foreign policy is reflected in actions such as the renewal of a currency swap agreement with China, which allowed Argentina to postpone the payment of 5 billion dollars in yuan, crucial for a country facing a shortage of foreign currency. Additionally, Milei’s government plans to participate in the summit between China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in 2025, demonstrating a willingness to restore diplomatic relations that initially cooled after his inauguration.
The economic relationship between Argentina and China, though politically distant at the beginning of Milei’s term, never stopped. China is one of the main destinations for Argentine exports, with products like soybeans and beef, and an important partner in terms of imports. Despite the initial political disagreements, the government has recognized the importance of the trade relationship with China, which has driven this shift in Argentina’s foreign policy.
Finally, experts observe that economic necessity has influenced Milei’s change in position. The lack of results in his attempts to attract Western investments and the growing economic influence of Asia, led by China, have forced Argentina to resume dialogue with the Asian giant. This pragmatic approach reflects a similar trend in other governments, such as Brazil’s, which initially adopted tough stances against China but eventually recognized its importance for economic development.
Main source:
Javier Milei arría sus banderas ideológicas y se acerca a China: “Es un socio interesante” – El País.
Other related sources:
Milei inició un sorpresivo giro diplomático en su relación con China – Infobae.