The final moments of the high-profile summit revealed Milei’s more pragmatic streak, coming as a surprise after the irascible president sought to undercut international initiatives.

Xi struck a friendly tone during their first meeting in Rio, thanking Milei for sending a "warm congratulatory letter" on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. He also noted Milei's sweeping economic reform plans, according to a readout published by CCTV.

As world leaders at the G20 summit in Brazil are bracing for the return of U.S. President Donald Trump to the center of global affairs, one head of state in the room has given them an early taste of a familiar,