On April 8, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian presided over a regular press conference. A Beijing Daily client reporter asked a question. According to reports, US State Department's special envoy on Latin America issues Carone recently said in an interview that the local currency exchange cooperation between China and Argentina is a “blackmail mechanism” between China and Argentina, and called on the Arab side to consider terminating it. The US wants to ensure that any agreement reached between Argentina and the International Monetary Fund will not be used to “prolong” such cooperation and will not enhance the influence China has gained through local currency swaps. What comments does the Chinese side have on this? Lin Jian said that China has always carried out practical cooperation with Argentina in various fields on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. Over a long period of time, the local currency exchange cooperation between China and Argentina has played an important role in maintaining economic and financial stability for the Arab side, and has been welcomed and positively evaluated by the Arab side. Lin Jian pointed out that bilateral cooperation between China and the countries concerned should never target third parties, nor should they be interfered with by third parties. Who is actually extorting, coercing, and doing nothing. Justice is at ease in the hearts of the people. We urge the US side to correct its mentality. Instead of spending time stirring up disagreements, it is better to do something real for the development of Latin American and Caribbean countries.

On April 8, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian presided over a regular press conference. A Beijing Daily client reporter asked a question. According to reports, US State Department's special envoy on Latin America issues Carone recently said in an interview that the local currency exchange cooperation between China and Argentina is a “blackmail mechanism” between China and Argentina, and called on the Arab side to consider terminating it. The US wants to ensure that any agreement reached between Argentina and the International Monetary Fund will not be used to “prolong” such cooperation and will not enhance the influence China has gained through local currency swaps. What comments does the Chinese side have on this? Lin Jian said that China has always carried out practical cooperation with Argentina in various fields on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. Over a long period of time, the local currency exchange cooperation between China and Argentina has played an important role in maintaining economic and financial stability for the Arab side, and has been welcomed and positively evaluated by the Arab side. Lin Jian pointed out that bilateral cooperation between China and the countries concerned should never target third parties, nor should they be interfered with by third parties. Who is actually extorting, coercing, and doing nothing. Justice is at ease in the hearts of the people. We urge the US side to correct its mentality. Instead of spending time stirring up disagreements, it is better to do something real for the development of Latin American and Caribbean countries.