US issues strong warning to Argentina over China: ‘It won’t help attract investment’

The United States government is openly warning Argentina against increasing ties with China, stating that such partnerships will not benefit the country's investment climate. This shift in strategy comes in the wake of close relations between Argentine President Javier Milei and U.S. President Donald Trump. Argentina has recently renewed its currency swap agreement with China, adding to tensions over Huawei and a request related to the Chinese space station in Neuquén.

U.S. Ambassador Peter Lamelas warned during the AmCham Energy Forum 2026 that using Chinese technology in strategic networks will not help attract foreign investment to Argentina. He emphasized that energy data security is critical to national security and that foreign investors require guarantees that their data will be protected and that they will operate over reliable networks.

The U.S. warning highlights the growing geopolitical tension between Argentina and China, particularly in the context of Argentina's massive Vaca Muerta oil and gas deposit, which is seen not only as an energy asset but also as a geopolitical, digital, and security asset.