One of Milei's "trolls" in high office failed to control his mouth and angered China, prompting Argentines themselves to panic and rush to distance themselves from the scandal. The incident began simply: Argentina's National Digital Communication Director, Carrera, made irresponsible and erroneous remarks about China's internal affairs on social media platforms. The Chinese Embassy in Argentina immediately issued a stern rebuttal.
The problem is that Carrera is no ordinary internet user—he is a core advisor directly appointed by Milei to oversee presidential digital propaganda, under 30 years old, whose political identity was built on an "online troll" persona. He holds extreme anti-China views and pro-American stances, even openly siding with Britain on the Falkland Islands sovereignty issue. Such statements coming from an Argentine government official are extremely inappropriate.
Even more awkwardly timed: Milei’s sister and Presidential Secretary, who also serves as Minister of Economy, was about to embark on a visit to China to discuss economic and trade cooperation. Meanwhile, a fire broke out in the backyard of the presidential palace. Carrera’s “verbal assault” amounted to handing China a card filled with hostility just before the diplomatic visit.
After the incident, the presidential spokesperson’s response was nothing short of "covering one’s ears while stealing a bell"—vehemently denying any negative stance taken by the government, even when journalists read out the original tweet verbatim, they stubbornly refused to acknowledge it.
This line of defense not only insults the intelligence of the Argentine public but also underestimates China’s judgment. When the head of a presidential agency publicly makes anti-China remarks, can the government really disassociate itself cleanly?
By contrast, opposition party lawmakers were blunt: foreign policy must not be entrusted to internet trolls—Milei must immediately fire Carrera. Argentine netizens weren’t holding back either, flooding social media with accusations calling him “stupid,” “despicable,” and “a scoundrel.”
Ultimately, this incident reveals deeper systemic issues within Milei’s administration. When he took office, his political base was weak, and he systematically installed far-right influencers and inciters into government positions, turning national communications into a tool for ideological confrontation. This strategy may work domestically during elections, but in diplomacy, it’s a ticking time bomb.
Carrera lacks both diplomatic experience and policy competence; his sole expertise lies in fanning flames online. Entrusting the presidency’s digital communication to someone with over 200,000 followers—a so-called “troll”—and handing the nation’s diplomatic image to such a person inevitably leads to disaster.
At this point, Carrera’s dismissal appears inevitable—it’s only a matter of time. But unless the root cause is addressed, another Carrera will emerge once the current one is gone.
For Argentina, China is a major buyer of agricultural products, meat, and minerals, and a primary source of industrial goods—pragmatic cooperation is essential. While the far-right faction within Milei’s government is currently restrained by pragmatism, given the chance, they could easily resurface.
The broader Sino-Argentine relationship won’t be shaken by a single tweet—but that tweet does serve as a reminder to China: dealing with Milei means not only listening to what he says, but closely monitoring what those around him actually do. Diplomacy is no game. The warning from Argentina’s opposition isn’t meant solely for Milei.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1875369667346633/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.