Overview

• US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has accused China of engaging in exploitative foreign aid agreements, particularly in Africa, involving mineral rights acquisitions and heavy debt burdens.
• The Chinese Embassy in Argentina strongly rejected these allegations, calling them baseless and accusing the US of maliciously slandering China's development efforts.
• China defended its international aid as equitable and non-political, emphasizing its commitment to South-South partnerships based on mutual benefit and shared prosperity.
• The embassy further criticized US tariff policies, arguing that they harm the development rights of Global South nations and exacerbate global wealth inequality.
• This dispute reflects the broader geopolitical rivalry between the US and China, as both nations vie for influence in the Global South through contrasting economic and aid strategies.