At the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing held on Tuesday, July 22, to examine several State Department nominations, Peter Lamelas , the nominee for ambassador to Argentina, announced that he would “seek to neutralize China’s relationship with Argentina’s provinces” and suggested that this link is one of “corruption.” He also stated that he would work to support President Javier Milei and ensure that former President Cristina Kirchner “receives the justice she deserves,” El Destape reported.

"There are 23 provinces, and each of these has its own separate government that can negotiate with outside forces, with the Chinese or others, to come and carry out projects in that particular province. And that, in addition, leads to corruption on the part of the Chinese ," Lamelas told the Committee.

These statements have generated a response from a significant segment of the Argentine political spectrum. Opposition deputies, senators, and even several governors have made their rejection of Lamelas's provocative remarks known to the public.

The spokesperson for the People's Republic of China Embassy in Argentina also expressed his opinion, stating that Lamelas 's statement "only provokes a sense of unease about the possible resurgence of the Monroe Doctrine. This contradicts and opposes the 'democratic values' they so proclaim," adding that " China maintains exchanges and cooperation with Latin American countries, including Argentina, always based on the principles of mutual respect, equal treatment, mutual benefit, and win-win results, without seeking spheres of influence or geopolitical interests, or targeting third parties."

According to the diplomat proposed by the State Department, one of his roles as ambassador will be to "travel to all the provinces" and "have dialogue and a true partnership with those governors" and not just with Milei , Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein , Economy Minister Luis Caputo , or presidential advisor Santiago Caputo .

Lamelas maintained that: "My role will also be to go out into the interior and make sure we are alert to corruption and support Milei and her administration in everything related to the AMIA bombing and ensure that Cristina Fernández de Kirchner receives the justice she deserves."

He also referred to "a movement" that he said is even "further to the left than Peronism" and asserted that they are the ones who should be kept in check .

"Argentina has had very unusual times with multiple presidents, and we must continue supporting Milei through the legislative elections and into the next term to build a better relationship between our countries ," Lamelas told the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

It would be too much to ask that the Argentine National Congress repudiate these statements and, furthermore, reject the appointment of this madman whom imperialism seeks to enthrone in our country.  We hope not.

Sources:

eldestape

 Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Argentine Republic