Buenos Aires – Former Argentine President Mauricio macri cautioned President Javier Milei on Friday against weakening trade relations with China, warning it could damage Argentina‘s export capacity as the United States seeks to expand its influence in the region.
Macri, a key architect of Milei’s 2023 election victory, publicly disagreed with the current administration’s potential shift away from China, stating, “China is more complementary than the United States for Argentina. I do not think it is good to interrupt that process.” The warning underscores a growing rift between Milei and a former ally who previously helped moderate the president’s anti-China rhetoric. This divergence comes amid increased U.S. efforts to strengthen economic ties with Latin American nations, presenting Argentina with a strategic crossroads.
During his presidential campaign, Milei frequently criticized China, even using harsh language like calling the Chinese “murderers” and vowing to sever commercial ties. Macri, known as a moderating force within Argentina’s right-wing, is credited with tempering those statements after Milei took office. Though, Milei has recently asserted a more independent stance, especially following his party’s strong performance in October’s legislative elections, where they secured nearly 41 percent of the vote and 64 of 157 seats.
The shift in Milei’s approach has raised concerns among some observers who fear a potential disruption to Argentina’s crucial trade relationship with china, a major importer of Argentine agricultural products. Macri’s intervention highlights the internal debate within the Milei administration regarding the optimal balance between strengthening ties with the U.S. and maintaining economic partnerships with China.