On December 10, a Chinese diplomat visiting Buenos Aires
ratified support for Argentina’s sovereignty claim
over the Falkland Islands. Less than two weeks later, Argentina successfully petitioned its neighbors in the
trading bloc Mercosur (which includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay) to show their support of
Argentina’s claim on the islands by
closing their ports to any and all ships flying the Falklands’ flag.
Both developments, two among many, reveal the growing support Argentina has in its claim on the Falklands.
As China and Latin America throw their weight behind Argentina, Britain is losing friends willing to support
its sovereignty in the Falklands. Most notably, U.S. President Barack Obama has refused to back Britain’s right
to the Falkland Islands and has instead supported
Argentina’s calls for negotiation at the United Nations.
After what happened earlier this month in Brussels, it’s unlikely Europe would take up Britain’s cause—let
alone give it political or military support—should a crisis break out in the South Atlantic.
Britain, it seems, is on its own to defend the Falkland archipelago.
Meanwhile, Argentina continues to push its case—in the region, in Asia, and at the UN and in other international
bodies. Argentina’s National Congress is considering a proposal that would make the country’s official Olympic
logo the image of the Falkland Islands with the words “The Falklands are Argentine.” Over the past couple
of months, Argentine patrol ships have boarded Spanish fishing boats, saying their fishing licenses are not valid
and that they are operating “illegally” in disputed waters.
All these developments beg the question, why is Buenos Aires making such an effort to garner international
support for its claim on the Falklands? Is it laying the diplomatic groundwork in anticipation of a conflict
with Britain?
Continued...
HERE
