China Slams U.S. Over Latin America Debt Accusations

The Chinese embassy in Argentina has strongly condemned recent remarks by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, accusing him of “maliciously slandering and smearing” China’s international partnerships. The embassy labeled Bessent’s comments as an unjustified attack on China’s legitimate cooperation with Latin American nations and called on the U.S. to “adjust its mindset.”

In an interview, Bessent alleged that China has been signing “rapacious deals marked as aid,” which he claimed have significantly increased the debt burden of Latin American countries. The Chinese embassy refuted this, asserting that China’s collaborations in the region are based on mutual benefit and respect for sovereignty.

China has expanded its economic and infrastructure ties across Latin America in recent years, funding development projects through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative. The U.S. has grown increasingly critical of Beijing’s growing presence in the region, often characterizing it as a strategic threat and a form of “debt trap diplomacy.”

In response, the Chinese embassy stated that Washington should stop interfering in the sovereign decisions of other countries and focus on constructive dialogue instead of spreading misinformation. “We advise the U.S. to adjust its mindset, instead of spending time repeatedly smearing and attacking China, meddling in the foreign cooperation of regional countries,” the embassy emphasized.

The latest exchange highlights rising geopolitical tensions between China and the United States in Latin America, as both powers vie for influence in the region. Beijing maintains that its foreign partnerships are built on economic cooperation and mutual development, while Washington continues to warn of financial risks and long-term dependence associated with Chinese financing.

This diplomatic clash underscores the intensifying U.S.-China rivalry and the broader global implications of their competing economic agendas.