The impact of China's foreign policy and the situation of the argentine market in the global hierarchical structure

Abstract

The first decade of the 21st century was marked by pivotal events that spurred a shift in global economic dynamics. In this context, China's rising economic prominence has had a significant impact on Latin America, particularly on Mercosur and Argentina. This phenomenon has ushered in a new world order, where actors are not clearly defined and global changes affect strategic relations between nations, transforming the paradigms that guide regional representatives. Global transformations are compelling countries to adapt to a new reality, altering their traditional patterns of interaction in both economic and international policy spheres.  This raises the question: what is the nature of the convergence between China's foreign trade policy, Mercosur, and, specifically, Argentina, considering that they start from different realities but with the intention of coinciding?To answer this question, the study will analyze the economic convergences between China, Mercosur, and Argentina, with particular attention to the influence on Argentine regions. It will investigate the trade flows that cross borders, offering a complex and multidimensional perspective on the relationships between these actors. The context of globalization and economic integration has fostered China's emergence as a global economic leader, expanding its influence in Latin America, including its relations with Mercosur and Argentina. While trade agreements between these actors had been increasing since the 1990s, they gained significant momentum from 2000 onwards, further accentuated by China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) at the end of 2001. The study will examine the trade flows between China, Mercosur, and Argentina, including political borders. The availability of reserves from the Chinese capital market raises questions about the interests driving this economy to invest its currency in Argentina. This inquiry leads to defining China's financial interest in its relationship with Argentina, not as an isolated event, but within the context of foreign policy design where China is embedded in broader strategies towards Latin America.