Argentina, this vast land spanning the southern reaches of South America, captivates the world with its unique geographical splendor and rich cultural heritage. From the majestic glaciers of Patagonia to the galloping steeds across the Pampas grasslands; from the melancholic tango melodies drifting through Buenos Aires' streets to its world-class football legacy; from globally renowned grass-fed beef to robust Malbec wines, every facet weaves together to create the nation's distinctive charm.

This year marks the 53rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Argentina. Over half a century of weathering challenges together has borne rich fruits across political trust, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange. Since Argentina joined the Belt and Road Initiative, bilateral collaboration has galloped forward with the steady vigor of Pampas stallions on the path of practical cooperation. Recently, Outlook New Era sat down with María de los Ángeles Arrieta, Consul General of the Argentine Republic in Guangzhou. Speaking as both witness and participant, she shared compelling stories of China-Argentina partnership, decoded the boundless potential of bilateral relations in the new era, and sketched a visionary blueprint for mutual flourishing.

 María de los Ángeles Arrieta, Consul General of Argentina in Guangzhou

A diplomatic bond with China: Witnessing development's vitality firsthand

With a background in economics, By a coincidence, she became attached to the charming career of diplomacy and then devoted herself wholeheartedly to diplomatic work. She officially started her diplomatic career in 2001.

Her journey has since spanned the globe, with postings as Consul General in South Korea, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada. In January 2024, she arrived with her family in Guangzhou, a city pulsing with energy, to assume her current position as the Consul General of Argentina in Guangzhou.

"My first 'encounter' with China traces back to an economic geography class during my university years," recalled María. "One professor left me with unforgettable words: 'China is a sleeping giant —the world should watch closely for its awakening.'" Though the young as she found the metaphor striking, its profound implications eluded her at the time. Little did she imagine she would one day witness China's remarkable rise firsthand.

Nowadays, María has grown fond of Guangzhou, a city where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly, and history coexists with modernity in vibrant harmony. Every corner pulses with dynamic energy. Every time strolling through historic neighborhoods, she finds herself drawn to quaint cafés, where warm golden light filters through wooden lattice windows, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with Lingnan's timeless charm. Around the next bend, artisan shops surprise her with their treasures: Cantonese embroidered fans crafted by master hands, creative cultural products infused with contemporary design, each piece whispering tales of the city's rich heritage.What delights her most is exploring Guangzhou's cultural heartbeat alongside children, experiencing firsthand how the past animates the present.

These personal encounters have reinforced her conviction about the consulate's pivotal role in fostering bilateral friendship. Since its establishment in January 2010, the Argentine Consulate General in Guangzhou has served as a steadfast promoter of China-Argentina exchanges and cooperation. To María, the consulate functions much like a bridge connecting both nations, where people-to-people exchanges form the very foundation stones.

Meanwhile, she is well aware that as the Consul General of the Argentine Consulate General in Guangzhou, she shoulders the important mission of promoting friendly exchanges between the two countries. Though pandemic-related disruptions temporarily slowed down economic and cultural exchanges between the two nations, she has made reigniting and deepening these connections a cornerstone of her tenure. Since assuming office, the consulate has not only regularly held splendid cultural exchange activities, but also actively built multi-dimensional cooperation bridges between China-Argentina chambers of commerce, academic institutions and art groups, continuously promoting mutual understanding and exchanges between the two peoples.

Across mountains and seas: Resonance and blending of Chinese and Argentine cultures

On Argentina’s vast Pampas grasslands, the legendary Gauchos once roamed, skilled horsemen who tamed wild steeds with their lassos, embodying the nation’s cultural spirit. Today, their legacy lives on through folk arts like Malambo, a dynamic dance where performers, dressed as Gauchos, captivate audiences with rapid footwork and powerful movements, channeling the untamed freedom of the plains. This past March, thanks to the efforts of María, the Argentine artistic troupe MALEVO brought Malambo to stages across southern China. " Argentine and Chinese cultures share a profound resonance," she said. "The passionate drumbeats of Malambo echo the expressive power of traditional Chinese arts, where ‘sound conveys emotion.’ That vibrant life force is something we both had."

Performance by Argentine artistic troupe MALEVO

True cultural conversation is never a one-way street. Last December, Chinese sculptor Xu Hongfei’s touring exhibition captivated audiences across multiple Argentine cities. His works masterfully wove Argentine elements, like the passionate tango and the melancholic bandoneón, into traditional Chinese sculptural artistry, drawing crowds who lingered in admiration. Earlier, the Chengdu Sichuan Opera Theatre brought the mesmerizing art of face-changing (变脸) and traditional Chinese instrumental performances to Argentine stages, enchanting South American audiences with the depth of China’s theatrical heritage. These innovative and meaningful exchanges have propelled China-Argentina cultural collaboration to new heights.María expressed her expectation that more cultural bridges will span the oceans in the future, facilitating deeper exchanges and mutual learning between the Chinese and Argentine peoples.

Interaction in the field of sports is also a vivid reflection of China-Argentina friendship. María shared with Outlook New Era a memorable moment from last year's Copa América tournament—when she joined Chinese fans in a movie theater, all collectively holding their breath during penalty shootouts, nationalities momentarily forgotten in shared exhilaration. "Such border-less emotional connection epitomizes the genuine kinship between two peoples," she said. María reflected that the Consulate is now actively elevating sports collaboration through concrete measures, like arranging for elite Argentine football coaches to conduct technical training programs across China, while simultaneously working to institutionalize these exchanges through standardized bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

María watched the Copa América tournament with Chinese fans.

The family sentiments embedded in China-Argentina food cultures are equally touching. María introduced to Outlook New Era Argentina's famous "Asado". It is a barbecue gathering that can last for hours, where relatives and friends sit around the curling charcoal fire, tasting mellow Malbec red wine or rich mate tea, while enjoying barbecued meat and chatting bout daily life. María draws parallels between this ritual and China’s own communal traditions, the poetic "tea-boiling around the stove" (围炉煮茶) and the bustling hotpot, saying with a smile, "In China, I've seen people's cherish for family bonds, which is just the same as in Argentina. During holidays, I always witness the 'grand migration' in China, where countless people endure long and tiring journeys just to reunite with their loved ones. Both the Chinese and Argentine people value every moment of gathering with family."

As a diplomat full of curiosity, María always embraces Chinese culture with an open and inclusive attitude. In her mind, personal immersion and experience are the essence of diplomatic work, and even more the best way to gain an in-depth understanding of the local culture. "I cherish every such opportunity for cultural experience. It is not only a precious chance to enrich my life experience, but also a necessary path to understand the local culture."

To truly grasp the richness of Chinese culture, María has immersed herself in a number of cultural activities. Last Dragon Boat Festival, she not only witnessed the adrenaline-fueled races but paddled alongside local teams. At Guangzhou's grand theaters, she experienced the vibrant artistry of Cantonese opera. During Spring Festival, she attended the New Year celebration held by the Foreign Affairs Office of Guangdong Province, where she learned the traditional custom of pasting upside-down "福" (fú) characters for good fortune. This April marked a particularly profound moment, her participation in the 1056th Anniversary of Mazu’s Birthday, where she witnessed the festival of Chinese traditional culture. "Cultural exchange helps us understand and appreciate each other deeply," she said. "Cultural exchanges enable us to better understand and like each other. Although we may encounter language barriers in communication sometimes, our mutual affinity can help us overcome difficulties and continuously deepen our understanding of each other."

 María attended the Conference Commemorating the 1056th Anniversary of Mazu’s Birth.

China-Argentina cooperation: Unleashing economic potential

Since establishing diplomatic relations, China and Argentina have seen their economic partnership deepen relentlessly.  In 2024, the bilateral trade volume reached 16.351 billion US dollars. China’s strengths as a manufacturing powerhouse with a comprehensive industrial system, coupled with its groundbreaking innovations in frontier technologies, have injected vigorous momentum into this partnership. "At Guangzhou’s robotics expo, I’ve seen an impressive array of service robots, that is truly remarkable," said María. Meanwhile, Argentina leverages its unparalleled natural endowments to excel in agriculture and energy, solidifying its role as a globally trusted supplier. Together, these synergies create a framework for sustainable and mutually beneficial growth.

Currently, Argentina’s infrastructure sector presents significant opportunities for growth, particularly in modernizing its inland rail and road networks and advancing its green energy transition, these areas that align seamlessly with China’s technological expertise and investment capacity. Through China's investment in Argentina's infrastructure construction, it is expected to break through trade and logistics bottlenecks and significantly enhance Argentina's export capacity to China. Already, China has emerged as a key investor in Argentina’s infrastructure development. "Renewable energy is a priority for Argentina’s future," noted María . "China’s experience and technology in this field offer invaluable support, while Argentina’s abundant renewable resources open vast avenues for bilateral cooperation.

On the international stage, China and Argentina are both "Southern Countries" that support each other, trust one another, and forge ahead hand in hand. China has always adhered to the concept of win-win cooperation, actively fostering partnerships across Latin America to drive regional development.Against the backdrop of the current complex and changing international situation, China and Argentina have stood side by side, committed to elevating their bilateral relations to a higher level. This reliable partnership has injected strong confidence and impetus into both sides in coping with external challenges, and also laid a solid foundation for future cooperation.

In closing, María quoted an Argentine iconic proverb—"It takes two to tango"—to perfectly interpret the essence of bilateral relations of China and Argentina: true partnership requires harmonious coordination from both sides. She extended a warm invitation for Chinese friends to experience Argentina’s culture, taste Malbec wines, and gallop across the Pampas grasslands to immerse in the vibrant spirit of South America.

Looking ahead, the Consul General emphasized that China and Argentina stand at a pivotal juncture to deepen collaboration. She stated that the two sides are in a crucial period of deepening cooperation, and she will continue to actively promote various cooperation projects between Argentina and China in the future, injecting new vitality into the development of both countries and jointly jointly composing a new chapter of mutual prosperity. （Outlook New Era)

 María inscribes dedication for Outlook New Era