On Tuesday, China’s foreign ministry warned that Argentina’s diplomacy would make a “serious mistake” if it cut ties with major countries such as China or Brazil. The new president of Argentina, Javier Milej, has criticized China and Brazil and said he will not deal with “communists” while advocating stronger ties with the United States.

Milej was elected on Sunday, and Diana Mondino, an economist expected to become foreign minister under his administration, has said that Argentina will not join the BRICS group. The country was one of six nations invited to join the bloc consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Mondino told RIA Novosti that Argentina would stop communicating with the governments of China and Brazil when asked about exports and imports with those countries. Meanwhile, Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, commented on the situation at a regular press conference. She said that China is an important trade partner for Argentina and attaches great importance to relations with China. Mao added that China is willing to continue working together with Argentina to promote stability and long-term development of bilateral relations.