China and Argentina establish Closer Ties Within the Belt and Road Initiative

Photo: Reunión presidentes. By: Casa Rosada. Source: Casa Rosada

Argentine President Alberto Fernández has traveled to China to attend  the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, a diplomatic event commemorating the 10th anniversary of this mega-project. During his visit, Fernández emphasized China’s support for Argentina from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, which included anti-COVID materials and vaccines. He also highlighted that this assistance arrived during critical times when Argentina was facing a severe drought and financial difficulties. 

Argentina and China have strengthened their ties in various fields, and the President anticipates further collaboration within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Fernández expressed his desire to increase the frequency of flights between both countries and noted that China has become a highly popular tourist destination for Argentinians. The BRI, which was inaugurated in 2013 as a connectivity and infrastructure construction plan in Central Asia, has evolved into a strategic initiative to boost economic, financial, and cultural cooperation among nations in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Argentina and other Latin American countries are exploring opportunities to diversify their exports to the Chinese market through this initiative.

Representatives from approximately 140 nations and 30 international organizations are gathered in Beijing to attend the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. This highlights the importance of this project on the global stage and the increasing collaboration between nations in an effort to enhance economic, cultural, and scientific cooperation worldwide. The extension of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to Latin America and the Caribbean has been well-received by most countries in the region, as they see an opportunity to expand their trade and relations with China, a crucial market. Chinese companies’ investments in Argentina, especially in areas such as mining development and infrastructure construction, have continued to grow, strengthening the ties between both nations. In short, Fernández’s visit to China and his participation in this forum underscore the importance of Argentina-China relations within the context of the BRI and how these relations are contributing to the development and cooperation between nations. 

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Prensa Latina (2023, October). China y Argentina por vínculos más estrechos dentro de Franja y Ruta

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