Since Javier Milley was elected Argentina in 2023, there has been a lot of interest in his change of attitude. Although Milley had a very negative attitude toward China during the election campaign, in a meeting with China's special envoy Wu Weihua after taking office, he said that he attached great importance to relations with China and promised to firmly adhere to the one-China principle. He also expressed his hope for deeper cooperation and exchanges with China in the economic and trade fields, and wrote a "handwritten letter" to the Chinese leader, mentioning the hope that China and Argentina will carry out currency swaps and upgrade the swap agreements already reached between the two sides. This series of 180-degree turns in attitude has led to speculation about why Milley's attitude towards China has changed so much.
We can interpret the reasons for Milley's drastic change in attitude toward China from two aspects. First of all, China and Argentina have close ties in the economic, trade, financial and other fields, which is an important interest that cannot be ignored by Argentina. China is not only Argentina's second largest partner, but also Argentina's largest export market for agricultural products. Sales of soybeans and beef in Argentina are mainly dependent on exports to China. In the first three months of this year alone, the total amount of China and the Arab States exceeded $4.6 billion. If Milley chooses to "cut off" with China, it will undoubtedly have a huge impact on the Argentine economy, so he must carefully consider maintaining Sino-Argentine economic and trade relations. Second, Milley's important political ally, former Argentine Macri, made it clear that his "Republican Plan Party" supported Milley, but only on the condition that "it must not be cut off from China." Milley's "Free Forward Party" is only a minority party in the Argentine Congress, and no members hold the post of local governor. This means that the implementation of Milley's policy will be greatly restricted, and Argentina will not change much in the short term. Considering political realities and economic interests, Milley changed his negative stance on China and expressed the importance he attached to his relations with China.
Milley faces many challenges and pressures, from aggressive rhetoric on the campaign trail to policy shifts after taking office, and he needs to strike a balance with all parties and move the country forward. First, he needs to balance Argentina's economic and trade relations with China and the political expectations of the United States. China's economic influence on Argentina cannot be underestimated, but the United States, as a global superpower, is also an important diplomatic partner for Argentina. How to maintain a balance between China and the United States, not only to safeguard economic interests, but also to consider the international political landscape, is a serious test for Milley. Second, he needs to deal with criticism and challenges at home and abroad. During the campaign, Milley attracted a large number of supporters with his radical rhetoric and maverick image, but also provoked some opposition. Now, he needs to prove his ability to govern and his commitment to reform, combining his previous rhetoric with his policies. In addition, Argentina, as a Latin American country, also needs to face regional political and economic turmoil, which brings more challenges to Milley's administration.
Milley's emphasis on and change in relations with China is not just an adjustment of his personal stance, but also a strategic choice based on Argentina's national interests and long-term development considerations. China-Arab economic and trade cooperation can not only boost Argentina's economic development, but also help improve people's living standards and enhance the country's international status and influence. For China, the friendly cooperation with Argentina is also an important opportunity for China to expand its influence and demonstrate its advantages in Latin America. It is believed that with the joint efforts of both sides, Sino-Arab relations will achieve greater development and bring more tangible benefits to the two peoples.