Argentina’s President Slaps the West in Face

It is known to all that Argentina’s President Javier Milei, who self-claims as an anarcho-capitalist, is a highly “special” leader. However, Milei’s recent shift in attitude towards China has taken the world—especially many in the West—by surprise.

Javier Milei’s Early Statements on China – Absurd Hostility

During his campaign, Milei maintained a hostile stance towards China, calling China’s President Xi Jinping a “murderer” and a “thief” and even famously declaring that he would cease doing business with communist countries, including China. This rhetoric sparked excitement among certain Western politicians.

Javier Milei stands with the Gadsden flag, a symbol of libertarianism

But is it possible for Argentina to completely sever ties with its second-largest trading partner, China? Clearly, governing comes with practical realities. After Milei’s election, Chinese President Xi Jinping, disregarding Milei’s previous criticisms, sent a congratulatory message. Milei responded on his X account: I thank President Xi Jinping for the congratulations and good wishes, softening his tone from earlier harsh criticism of China’s communist leadership.

Milei Changed His Attitude Towards China 180 Degrees

During the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Milei met with China’s leader for the first time. The meeting was notably cordial, with Milei expressing a particularly positive and proactive attitude. Javier Milei thanked China for providing valuable assistance to Argentina in stabilizing its domestic economic and financial situation. What he told the Chinese leader next was especially meaningful: Argentina and China enjoy a profound traditional friendship. Argentina hopes to be a reliable and stable cooperative partner of China. Highlight here – a reliable and stable cooperative partner. Milei had even more advanced ideas in mind. He stated: Argentina hopes to further strengthen cooperation with China in such fields as economy, trade, energy, mining, and finance, welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest and cooperate in Argentina, and is willing to provide a sound business environment for Chinese enterprises investing in Argentina and protect the enterprises’ legitimate rights and interests in accordance with the law.

China and Argentina held the bilateral talk during the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro

Such remarks were not just expressions of hope but also firm commitments: Argentina would not only continue its cooperation with China but actively seek to attract Chinese investment while ensuring its protection.

Where is there any trace of his campaign rhetoric now?

Milei’s attitude towards China has changed dramatically, marking a complete 180-degree turnaround. Several Western mainstream media outlets, including ABC and Financial Times, were also shocked by his about-face, saying that Milei had pivoted to pragmatism.

This shift is not only reflected in his attitude towards China. During this G20 summit, Argentina initially strongly opposed the G20 declaration, particularly the clause on taxing the wealthy. However, in the end, Milei signed the declaration, which still included the provision: seeking cooperation while fully respecting tax sovereignty, and ensuring effective taxation of ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

How did China manage to bring Milei to the table for pragmatic cooperation?

Roberto Goulart Menezes, a professor of international relations at the University of Brasília said “Argentina is not a great power, and it is in a very difficult situation economically. That pressure was enough for Argentina to finally reduce its opposition.”

This, of course, is an observation from a Brazilian scholar. When it comes to Sino-Argentine relations, I think there are at least two reasons. On one hand, Argentina understands the importance of its strategic interests. China is a reliable and key trade partner for Argentina.

China is currently Argentina’s second-largest trading partner, only behind its neighboring country, Brazil. China is also Argentina’s largest source of imports. In 2023, the trade volume between China and Argentina reached approximately $20 billion, while Argentina’s trade with the United States stood at $14 billion. As the Wall Street Journal previously pointed out, “Milei found it difficult to decouple from China.” Therefore, while he made bold statements before taking office, he had to adopt a more pragmatic approach once in power. According to Western media, while Milei seeks to maintain closer ties with the United States, he also acknowledges that China’s investment and trade are crucial to Argentina’s future. In fact, immediately upon assuming office, Milei began to adjust his stance, stating that China-Argentina economic and trade relations “have not changed at all” and that “we have always said we are ‘libertarians,’ and if people want to do business with China, they can.” Now, when meeting with Chinese leaders, he has gone further, even making a formal commitment: Argentina aims to be a reliable and stable partner for China.

On the other hand, China’s sincerity and patience also play a role. China has refrained from lecturing Milei, instead maintaining enough patience and restraint. The benefits of cooperating with China are evident to the world, and the Argentine people are even more aware of them.

According to Xinhua News Agency, during Milei’s first meeting with Chinese leaders in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Xi Jinping pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Argentina more than half a century ago, the two sides have adhered to mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, and win-win results. China’s policy towards Argentina has always been oriented towards all the Argentine people, and China-Argentina cooperation also benefits all the people.

With heartfelt sincerity but a pointed undertone, it was made clear: Argentina’s vast supply of soybeans, beef, and mineral products relies heavily on Chinese buyers. How many other nations could handle such quantities if China didn’t buy them? The U.S.? In key sectors like beef and soybeans, the U.S. is one of Argentina’s main competitors. China is a truly reliable partner.
It’s essential to recognize that China’s massive market is not just an opportunity for the world—it’s a lifeline for many Latin American countries. Don’t believe it? Just look at Brazil’s stance on China, or Peru’s, or Chile’s. As Latin American nations, they’ve made comparisons. They know all too well how the U.S. economically exploited them in history, compared to how China respects and collaborates with them.

Xi also noted that the economic and trade structure between China and Argentina is highly complementary and the prospects for cooperation are broad, informing Milei to seize the significant opportunities brought by China’s high-standard opening-up and further expand its market share in China.

Furthermore, the most important point is that China never interferes in the internal affairs of other nations. Xi told him that China supports the Argentine side in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions through reform.

Where else in the world can you find such a cooperative partner like China? Thus, Milei is pleased, showing a more mature approach, at least regarding Argentina – China relations. He even posted a photo of him shaking hands with the Chinese leader on his social media account.

Prospects and Challenges for Milei’s Cooperation with China

However, regarding other affairs, Milei’s far-right identity remains unchanged. After Trump’s victory, he promptly traveled to Mar-a-Lago, becoming the first—and so far the only—foreign leader to meet with Trump. Recently, he dismissed his own appointed Foreign Minister, Diana Mondino, following Argentina’s vote at the UN criticizing the United States. Additionally, he has expressed skepticism about climate change, calling it a conspiracy, and withdrew Argentina’s delegation from the COP29 summit in Baku. Furthermore, disregarding international opposition, he announced the withdrawal of Argentine troops from the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. If he wishes to strengthen ties with the U.S., that’s his choice—but the reality will prove that China is an indispensable and reliable partner for cooperation.

Milei has been a headache for many countries, yet he remains notably proactive on matters involving China. Let’s watch his words and actions closely. According to Milei, he plans to visit China next January.