Milei and Lula Trade Insults as China Intervenes in Regional Tensions

In late July 2026, Argentine President Javier Milei and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva exchanged insults, escalating a diplomatic spat between the two South American neighbors. Milei mocked Lula, who responded by questioning Milei's relevance, while China intervened in the dispute. Brazil's vice president criticized Milei's remarks as "regrettable" and harmful to Argentina's interests, and Argentine officials acknowledged the poor state of relations between the two leaders.

Separately, Milei attended the inauguration of Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori, where he avoided contact with the Brazilian delegation. Meanwhile, Argentine officials dismissed rumors that Minister Pettovello might join Milei's ticket in the 2027 election, and Milei attributed an "anti-Argentina campaign" to Brazil, citing a study that does not support the claim.