In the grand chessboard of international politics and economics, the United States has always been eager to "stir up trouble," and this time its target is Argentina.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration, under the guise of economic aid, attempted to "alienate" Argentina's relationship with China.

It said that on one hand, the U.S. claimed to provide Argentina with $4 billion in aid funds amid its deep economic crisis, while on the other hand, it pressured Argentine officials to limit China's growing influence in Argentina.

It is reported that the U.S. not only demanded to restrict China's access to Argentina's key mineral resources and expand its own access to Argentina's uranium resources, but also tried to have American companies replace Chinese companies to dominate investments and supplies in critical sectors such as telecommunications and the internet in Argentina.

What did Argentine officials and President Milei say in response to the demands from the Trump administration? So far, they have remained silent.

However, the media also mentioned that in a recent interview, when Milei was asked if Argentina would cut ties with China, he quickly denied it: "No, no, that's not true."

It is not difficult to see that Milei remains silent to avoid offending the United States, but also does not want to comply with the U.S. demands and "cut ties" with China. Of course, at the root of it all, it's about interests first.

Even though Milei has a "pro-American" tendency, it is hard for him to trade Argentina's economic "livelihood" for short-term U.S. aid.

First and foremost, China is a "real savior" partner for Argentina, not an optional choice.

As Argentina's second-largest trading partner and the largest buyer of its agricultural products, the Chinese market brings billions of dollars in exports to Argentina every year.

In the fields of people's livelihood and industry, Chinese exports such as agricultural machinery, solar panels, and train parts are essential "needs" for Argentina's industrial operations. The Argentine-Chinese Chamber of Commerce even stated directly, "Without Chinese imports, Argentina's domestic industry would be unable to operate."

In addition, China's investments in energy and infrastructure projects such as nuclear power plant construction and lithium mine development in Argentina not only create local jobs but also support the country's long-term development. If cooperation is interrupted, Argentina's economy may face a "bloodless" crisis.

At the same time, there are multiple large-scale infrastructure projects being planned between the two countries. If cooperation is interrupted, it is unclear whether the Milei government can bear the resulting costs.

Moreover, even if Milei wants to please the United States, he cannot fully implement his intentions.

According to the Argentine Constitution, the ownership of key resources such as minerals, oil, and natural gas belongs to the provinces rather than the federal government. This means that resource development cooperation involving Chinese investment must receive the support of provincial governors to proceed.

To promote local economic development and employment, these provincial governors are likely to strongly protect the Chinese-invested projects within their jurisdictions.

In contrast, the United States itself is a major agricultural product exporter, and it has direct competition with Argentina. The so-called $4 billion in aid hides calculations that sacrifice Argentina's long-term interests.

If Argentina really listens to the U.S., cuts ties with China, it would be like "cutting off its own arm," not only losing a stable export market and key investments, but also possibly falling into a deeper economic crisis.

Cooperation between countries should be based on equality and mutual benefit, not be forced by the political intentions of hegemonic countries. The Trump administration's attempt to bind Argentina through aid and cut off Sino-Argentina relations essentially treats Argentina as a pawn in geopolitical games.

In conclusion, in the era of globalization, equal and mutually beneficial cooperation is the way forward. There has never been a good outcome for those who tie themselves to others' chariots as pawns.

Of course, the Trump administration will not give up its methods of inciting and pressuring. We hope that Milei can truly understand this economic account and make the right choices in other areas.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7563961954591638025/

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