Envoy in Buenos Aires plays dual role

Enthusiastic ambassador does his part to promote two-way relations

Yang Wanming, China's ambassador to Argentina, enthusiastically promotes the South American country to potential Chinese visitors.

"I believe increasing numbers of Chinese will come to Argentina to taste the wines of Mendoza, admire the majestic Iguazu Falls, enjoy the lakes and mountains of the Bariloche, walk on the magnificent Calafate Glacier and take unforgettable selfies at Ushuaia, the End of the World city," Yang said in written comments to China Daily.

With China's help, Argentine enterprises participated in China's so-called Double 11 online shopping spree on Nov 11 and sold 1.52 million Argentine red shrimp in China during the first hour, an astounding amount, Yang said.

In recent years, the two nations have become indispensable economic partners. Exchanges in literature, the arts, sports, scientific research and other fields are increasing and creating understanding and friendship.

After some financial uncertainty in Argentina this year, President Xi Jinping wrote twice to Argentine President Mauricio Macri to show support for the country's efforts to achieve national stability and development.

Yang said the outreach demonstrated China's confidence in Argentina's future and in bilateral relations.

"Under the leadership of the two presidents, the countries have conducted frequent high-level exchanges and visits. Mechanisms such as the intergovernmental standing committees, the parliamentary political dialogue and the economic and strategic dialogues have worked very well," he said.

China is the second-largest export destination and import source for Argentina, with half of Argentine beef exports going to China.

As of August, China had invested $15.2 billion in Argentina and created 19,000 jobs. In the financial sector, the two nations' central banks have reached an initial agreement on expanding the volume of currency swaps.

People-to-people exchanges are also blossoming. More than 50 tango clubs have popped up in China, and dozens of young Chinese athletes have received soccer training with professional clubs in Argentina.

Every year, more than 3,000 Argentines study Chinese, and the number of Chinese tourists to the country doubled from 30,000 to 60,000 from 2015 to 2017.

In general, the Argentine people have a favorable view of China, Yang said.

"People from various corners of life generally believe that Argentina should take advantage of the rare opportunities extended to Latin America ... to dovetail the development strategies of Argentina and the Belt and Road Initiative to achieve sustainable development," he wrote.

China and Argentina established diplomatic relations in 1972. Since then, ties have developed smoothly in various fields.

In 2013, the two countries established the Intergovernmental Standing Committee mechanism, and two meetings have been held so far.

In July 2014, Xi paid a state visit to Argentina, and the two countries announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership.