Overview

• The embassy’s statement labeled Scott Bessent’s comments “provocative” and asserted that Latin America “is not anyone’s backyard.”
• Earlier this week Bessent told Fox News that President Javier Milei is committed to pushing China out of Argentina and highlighted a U.S. support package with a $20 billion currency swap and purchases of pesos.
• The Chinese mission defended its cooperation in Latin America as based on respect, equality and mutual benefit, insisting it does not harm third countries.
• Argentina’s chief of cabinet, Guillermo Francos, moved to ease tensions by saying the U.S. agreement does not require excluding China from the country’s commercial relationships.
• The exchange comes as Washington announces a 100% tariff on Chinese imports and as Milei’s White House visit is slated for Tuesday.