United States pressures Argentine cooperative over Huawei ties in Vaca Muerta

The United States is exerting diplomatic pressure on Argentina to prevent the use of Chinese technology in the Vaca Muerta energy region. Specifically, the U.S. Embassy in Argentina has reportedly targeted CALF, a major Neuquén-based cooperative, regarding its commercial ties with Huawei.

According to reports, U.S. officials pressured CALF executives by threatening to revoke their visas if they proceeded with fiber optic and infrastructure agreements involving Huawei. Sergio Fernández Novoa, CALF's Technology Manager, stated that the pressure included direct communications from the U.S. commercial attaché. In response to the diplomatic tension, CALF has sent formal letters to both the Embassy and the Argentine Foreign Ministry.

The dispute highlights the growing geopolitical competition between the U.S. and China over strategic resources and technological influence in South America. As Vaca Muerta is considered a vital energy asset, Washington seeks to limit Chinese involvement in the region's technological supply chains, citing national security interests.