Forging robust China-South America ties takes more than just trade
South China Morning Post
by Lijia ZhangFebruary 17, 2026
A few weeks ago, while travelling in Buenos Aires, I learned a new word: chino. I already knew its literal meaning – even a poor linguist like me could manage that – but in Argentina the word has taken on a second life. A chino is the neighbourhood mini-market run by Chinese migrants, most of whom are from Fujian or Guangdong province. Known for staying open late, these shops have become a fixture of urban life.
One afternoon, as an Argentine friend showed me around his neighbourhood in Palermo,...
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/17/2026