美财长到访前，阿根廷央行：与中国续签价值350亿元人民币的本币互换协议

Core Viewpoint - Argentina and China have agreed to extend their currency swap agreement for an additional 12 months, valued at 35 billion RMB (5 billion USD), highlighting the strategic importance of their partnership amid external pressures [1][2][3]. Group 1: Currency Swap Agreement - The currency swap agreement allows Argentina to use RMB instead of USD, providing relief to its dwindling foreign reserves and supporting the volatile peso [3]. - The initial agreement was signed in 2009, and after several extensions, the current agreement was renewed on June 9, 2023, with a total swap amount of 130 billion RMB, valid until June 2026 [1][2]. - The recent extension of 35 billion RMB was originally set to expire in June 2024 but has now been extended to June 2026 [2]. Group 2: Geopolitical Context - The timing of the announcement is critical, coinciding with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessenet's upcoming visit to Argentina, which may signal U.S. interest in influencing Argentina's economic decisions [1][3]. - The IMF is set to vote on a new 20 billion USD aid plan for Argentina, with the U.S. being a significant stakeholder in the IMF, indicating potential U.S. support for Argentina [3][4]. - Recent U.S. government actions have attempted to undermine the China-Argentina relationship, labeling the currency swap as a "coercive mechanism" and pressuring Argentina to reconsider its agreements with China [4][6]. Group 3: Trade Relations - China has become Argentina's second-largest trading partner and the largest source of imports, with bilateral trade reaching 17.399 billion USD (approximately 126.16 billion RMB) in 2023 [3]. - Argentina's President Milei has softened his stance towards China since taking office, recognizing the importance of the partnership for fulfilling IMF obligations [6].