Xi and Milei's unexpected G20 meeting shows new direction for China-Argentina ties

At todays G20 summit in Rio Xi Jinping and Javier Milei met face-to-face for the first time - a meeting that showed major shift in tone from Argentinas leader who used to be anti-China

The meeting came as surprise since Milei (who won election bout a year ago) previously called Chinese officials murderers and refused to work with communists. However his stance changed after taking office; he now sees China as key trade ally

Xi showed friendly approach during talks: he thanked Milei for nice letter about PRCs 75th birthday and praised Argentinaʼs economic plans. “Under your leadership your country shows good reform progress and works hard for national growth‚“ he noted

China has big stakes in Argentina (which makes this meeting extra-important): they run space station in south Argentina; buy lots of beef‚ soy nʼ corn; and might help with infrastructure projects. Their 10-year strategic partnership needs new energy - and Xi wants to “work together for long-term growth“

Mileiʼs recent gov changes helped smooth things out: his new foreign minister Gerardo Werthein (who used to be ambassador in US) replaced previous one who fixed relations with China n Brazil after Mileiʼs harsh words. Now theres even talk bout Milei visiting Beijing next spring