The Washington Post relays a noteworthy tidbit from the G-20 Summit. The paper reported yesterday that a closed-door meeting between the group’s foreign ministers was mistakenly broadcast live to a few reporters. Many of the countries present — a group that includes Russia, South Africa, and China — lined up to criticize Israel’s campaign against Hamas and America’s support for it.
But Argentina’s representative had a different message, according to the Washington Post, emphasizing the “terrorist acts of Hamas” and the “unconditional release of hostages.”
The pro-Israel stance articulated this week by Argentina is hardly a shock considering Javier Milei’s proud, early stands against the loose authoritarian alignment that challenges America and its interests abroad. Soon after taking office, Milei reversed his predecessor’s decision to join BRICS. On the campaign trail, he rejected diplomatic engagement with China and Cuba, citing the communist nature of those countries’ governments. And he has frequently voiced support for Ukraine. But Milei’s approach is a sharp departure from Argentina’s previous orientation — and a far cry from the ascent of left-wing, anti-American leaders across South America.
This morning, Milei met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Buenos Aires, telling reporters: “Argentina has decided to return to the side of the West, to the side of progress, to democracy, and, above all, freedom.” Soon after the meeting, Blinken said that he “could not be more pleased” with their conversation. Milei’s outreach to Americans will continue through the weekend: Almost immediately following the meeting, Milei was slated to hop on a plane for Washington, where he’ll address CPAC.
America’s authoritarian adversaries are putting up a stiff diplomatic fight, attempting to chip away at U.S. global influence. Milei’s stewardship of Argentina is a bright spot — and an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.