# US-China diplomatic dispute in Argentina > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-china-diplomatic-dispute-in-argentina > Updated: 2026-08-12T22:33:43.000Z. Sources: 42. Developments: 4. The diplomatic dispute between the United States, China, and Argentina regarding Chinese technology in the Vaca Muerta energy region has intensified. The conflict centers on the Neuquén-based electric cooperative CALF, which seeks to partner with Huawei for fiber optic and electrical infrastructure. U.S. Ambassador Peter Lamelas escalated the tension during the AmCham Energy Forum, warning that Huawei’s presence 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 rejected these claims as ‘baseless slander’ and accused Washington of employing a ‘Cold War mentality’ to sow market fear, defending Huawei’s cybersecurity record and its commitment to ‘no backdoor’ agreements. The dispute follows reports that U.S. officials warned CALF executives that maintaining ties with Huawei could result in the revocation of visas. CALF’s general secretary, Yenny Fonfach, characterized these actions as an ‘intrusion’ into the cooperative’s autonomy. Following a formal complaint filed by CALF with the Argentine Chamber of Deputies, cooperative representatives met with Ambassador Lamelas at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires to maintain institutional dialogue and seek clarification. ## Claims - US Ambassador Peter Lamelas stated that China requires its companies to provide the state access to data processed via their technology and AI networks. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The Chinese Embassy in Argentina described the US accusations against Huawei and the Chinese government as baseless slander. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Ambassador Lamelas warned that Chinese providers could deter the foreign investment needed to develop the Vaca Muerta shale formation. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Chinese Embassy accused Washington of acting with a Cold War mentality. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Neuquén cooperative CALF met with the US Ambassador to maintain institutional dialogue following previous tensions regarding a Huawei deal. (single source) - Huawei has committed to signing 'no backdoor' agreements and undergoing independent audits and verifications. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-12: Vaca Muerta: US and China clash over Huawei technology use US Ambassador Peter Lamelas warned that Chinese technology in Argentina's Vaca Muerta region poses security risks, prompting a sharp rebuttal from the Chinese Embassy labeling the claims as baseless slander. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-ambassador-warns-chinese-tech-could-deter-vaca-muerta-investment ### 2026-08-11: CALF cooperative denounces U.S. pressure over Huawei ties An Argentine electricity cooperative, CALF, has denounced the U.S. Embassy for allegedly threatening to revoke executives' visas if they continue using technology from the Chinese company Huawei. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/calf-cooperative-denounces-us-pressure-over-huawei-ties ### 2026-08-09: United States pressures Argentine cooperative over Huawei ties in Vaca Muerta The U.S. Embassy in Argentina has reportedly pressured the CALF cooperative to abandon technology agreements with Huawei in the Vaca Muerta region, citing strategic and security concerns. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-pressures-argentine-cooperative-over-huawei-ties-in-vaca-muerta ### 2026-08-05: United States accused of pressuring Argentine firm over Huawei deal The U.S. is accused of pressuring an Argentine cooperative to cancel a Huawei contract by threatening to revoke visas for its executives, sparking a diplomatic clash with China over sovereignty and security. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/calf-protests-us-embassy-visa-threats-over-huawei-datacenter-deal --- Cite as: US-China diplomatic dispute in Argentina. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-china-diplomatic-dispute-in-argentina