Javier Milei Is Traveling to China. Which Other Latin American Leaders Have Visited?
Javier Milei Is Traveling to China. Which Other Latin American Leaders Have Visited?
Nine of the region’s leaders have gone to Beijing. What have they accomplished on their trips?
In January 2025, Argentine President Javier Milei will travel to China to attend the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Forum. The announcement of this trip marks a reversal for Milei, who campaigned in 2023 on cutting ties with Beijing.
Since taking office in December, Milei has softened his stance on China and oversaw the renewal of a $5 billion currency swap between the two countries in June. Milei’s sister, Karina, who serves as the general secretary of the presidency, was tasked with meeting with Chinese officials and bolstering the bilateral relationship on her brother’s behalf. China is Argentina’s second largest import market and third largest export market.
How common is it for Latin American leaders to visit China?
Of the 19 sitting heads of state, nine have gone to China while in executive office. Five of those visits came in September, October, or November of 2023. For his part, Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has been in office since 2012, has visited nine Latin American countries—Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. Two countries in the region, Guatemala and Paraguay, lack diplomatic relations with Beijing and instead recognize Taiwan.