American in Argentina

I am an American currently visiting Buenos Aires for a few weeks. I have a trip planned to China in October. I went to the Chinese Embassy in Buenos Aires to acquire a 30 day tourist visa for my trip. However, I was informed by the woman working at the embassy that I need an Argentine ID in order to get one via their office in Argentina. My American Passport and American ID were not sufficient (apparently) and I don't have an Argentine ID. Is there anything I can do?