China alleges US meddling as Huawei courts Argentina oil region
US officials threaten to deny or revoke US visas for directors of power distributor CALF in Neuquén Province if they went ahead with Huawei deal. Leer más
China accused the United States of interfering in Argentina following American embassy officials' opposition to a contract that would expand Huawei Technologies Co.'s operations in the region. US officials threatened to deny or revoke US visas for directors of power distributor CALF in Neuquén Province, a location known for Argentina's shale oil fields, if they proceeded with the Huawei deal.
China's Embassy in Argentina expressed strong disapproval of such practices, stating they reflect the arrogance and prejudices of the US and disregard for the sovereignty of other countries, detracting from free-market values.
CALF stated that the threat was communicated to one of its managers via text message and requested that the US embassy use a more formal channel for discussions. Despite already having contracts with CALF, Huawei is in talks to strengthen its relationship with the company. CALF affirmed that it would continue evaluating proposals from suppliers worldwide, including American, European, and Asian providers, based on the same criteria it has consistently used: quality, price, and financing.
CALF operates a multi-vendor network, incorporating Huawei alongside US and European providers. US Ambassador Peter Lamelas dismissed the notion that visa measures were punitive, asserting that every nation safeguards its own interests. "Denying or revoking a visa isn't a punishment; it's a decision to protect the nation's security and interests," he stated on X. Argentina's Foreign Ministry and Neuquén Province did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the matter.
Neuquén Province emphasized that CALF is a cooperative entity, not directly controlled by the province.
President Javier Milei, known for his alliance with US President Donald Trump, has also embraced increased trade and investment from China, diverging from his previous strong criticism of Beijing. The development of Neuquén's oil and gas basin has surged under Milei, attracting investments from US drillers like Chevron Corp and Continental Resources Inc., along with other firms from the Permian Basin in Texas seeking to leverage their shale expertise.
Additionally, Neuquén has been home to a Chinese space station that the US has previously expressed concerns about.
Written by urgent.news from Buenos Aires Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
