US threatens Argentine executives with visa restrictions over Huawei ties

The United States has issued warnings to executives of the Argentine cooperative CALF, which provides essential services to the Neuquén region near the Vaca Muerta energy deposits. US diplomats informed the cooperative that the administration may restrict or revoke visas for 18 top executives, including President Marcelo Severini, if the company proceeds with negotiations to expand operations with the Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei.

US Ambassador Peter Lamelas characterized the matter as a “national security issue” for the United States, Argentina, and the energy companies investing in the Vaca Muerta region. He stated that the US is prepared to assist in identifying “reliable companies and providers.”

CALF, which provides electricity, gas, water, and fiber optics, had previously sent representatives to Huawei's headquarters to explore intelligence tools for monitoring electrical networks. The cooperative has responded to the diplomatic pressure by sending formal notes to the Argentine Foreign Ministry and the US Embassy, and has agreed to meet with the US Ambassador to discuss the situation.