Former president Mauricio Macri warned on Friday that Argentina could weaken its export base if it distances itself from China, sharpening his public split with President Javier Milei.
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Macri argued that China remains central to Argentina’s sales of soy, beef and other raw materials, goods the US already produces in abundance.
“China is more complementary than the United States for Argentina. I do not think it is good to interrupt that process,” he said.
A long-time Milei ally, Macri was instrumental in the ultra-libertarian president’s 2023 election victory.
Known as a moderating voice within the country’s right-wing faction, he is credited by diplomats and media for tempering the president’s harsh rhetoric against China after a presidential campaign where Milei called the Chinese “murderers” and promised to sever commercial ties between the two countries.
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But Milei has been distancing himself from his supporter and mentor, assuming a more independent stance, especially after unexpectedly winning Argentina’s legislative elections in October, when his party captured nearly 41 per cent of the vote and 64 of 157 seats up for election.