While it does not glisten, Chinatown is increasingly becoming fashionable, with young Argentines. Some local libraries even offer free Mandarin language classes, financed with Chinese money, as part of the country's quiet "soft power" in the region.

More often than not, it is a perception that knowledge of Chinese will be a vital asset in tomorrow’s job market that is driving demand, he says.

From Chinese phonetics to Chinese calligraphy, they will be teaching Mandarin and Chinese culture to public high school students as part of the education department's foreign language programme.

Entering into a pact with Hebei Normal Uniersity of Science and Technology is part of Xavier's efforts to establish a Confucius Institute to promote the teaching of Chinese language and culture. There are about 300 such organizations, including 87 in the United States.