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Vaca Muerta: US and China clash over Huawei technology use
The United States and China have entered a diplomatic dispute regarding the use of Chinese technology in Argentina's Vaca Muerta energy region. US Ambassador Peter Lamelas warned during the AmCham Energy Forum that the presence of Huawei in critical infrastructure could compromise national security and deter international investment. Lamelas asserted that China requires its companies to provide the state with access to data passing through their technology and AI networks.
In response, the Chinese Embassy in Argentina rejected these claims as 'baseless slander' and accused Washington of employing a 'Cold War mentality' to sow market fear. China defended Huawei's cybersecurity record, noting the company's commitment to 'no backdoor' agreements and independent audits.
The tension specifically involves the Neuquén-based cooperative CALF, which has sought to partner with Huawei for fiber optic and electrical infrastructure. Following reports that US officials had informally warned CALF executives that their visas could be revoked if the deal proceeded, CALF representatives met with Ambassador Lamelas at the US Embassy to maintain institutional dialogue.
Entities
CALF · Embajada de China en Argentina · Huawei · Peter Lamelas · United States Embassy in Argentina · Vaca Muerta
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Chinese Embassy in Argentina described the US accusations against Huawei and the Chinese government as baseless slander. www.borderperiodismo.com · cuestionentrerriana.com.ar · www.prensa-latina.cu
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Neuquén cooperative CALF met with the US Ambassador to maintain institutional dialogue following previous tensions regarding a Huawei deal. elnuevodiario.com.do
- [● 2 SOURCES] Ambassador Lamelas warned that Chinese providers could deter the foreign investment needed to develop the Vaca Muerta shale formation. www.adnsur.com.ar · www.politicargentina.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Chinese Embassy accused Washington of acting with a Cold War mentality. cuestionentrerriana.com.ar · www.prensa-latina.cu
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Huawei has committed to signing 'no backdoor' agreements and undergoing independent audits and verifications. www.borderperiodismo.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] US Ambassador Peter Lamelas stated that China requires its companies to provide the state access to data processed via their technology and AI networks. totalnewsagency.com · www.cronica.com.ar · www.adnsur.com.ar · www.politicargentina.com · sintinta.com.ar · +1 more