Sino-Argentine Cooperation Intensifying on Many Fronts

Aug. 17, 2020 (EIRNS)—Much to the dismay of the Anglo-American war party, Argentine President Alberto Fernández has greatly strengthened relations with China, signing several bilateral agreements for cooperation in aerospace, science and technology, agriculture, transportation and infrastructure building. Currently, China is involved in 20 Argentine investment projects, valued at $11.7 billion, including $10 billion in financing. Companies such as PowerChina and its subsidiary Sinohydro are seeking contracts to build several energy and transportation projects.

In an Aug. 13 interview with the weekly Noticias magazine, Chinese Ambassador Zou Xiaoli emphasized that since Fernández took office on Dec. 1, 2019, “our relationship has strengthened ... with a solid basis, great potential and broad perspectives.” Pointing to the bilateral agreements signed, the most recent one a Framework Agreement on Space Cooperation, Zou asserted that this relationship will “not only serve to promote Argentina’s economic recovery,” but will also play an important role in the relationship between China and the Common Market of the South (Mercosur), of which Argentina is a founding member, “and also with other Latin American countries.”

Zou pointed out that President Fernández and President Xi Jinping have developed a strong working relationship, communicating frequently, and that aside from bilateral agreements, the two nations have increased cultural exchange and “are in agreement on international and regional affairs.” The two Presidents also coordinated closely on combatting the Covid-19 pandemic; Argentina received significant amounts of Chinese medical supplies.

Argentina is a guest of honor at the Nov. 5-10 China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. While the foreign minister and other cabinet members and businessmen will be attending, President Fernández reportedly would like to attend as well, if at all possible. According to Noticias, he would like to discuss several matters with President Xi, including Argentina’s joining the Belt and Road Initiative.