China Accuses US of Meddling in Argentine Huawei Deal

The Government of China accused the United States of meddling in Argentine sovereign affairs after U.S. embassy officials reportedly attempted to block a contract to expand the footprint of Huawei Technologies Co. In the oil-rich Neuquen province, U.S. officials allegedly threatened to deny or revoke visas for directors of CALF, a local power distributor, if the company proceeded with the deal.

U.S. Ambassador Peter Lamelas defended the measures, stating that visa revocations are decisions to protect national security and interests rather than punishments. CALF confirmed it received the threats via text message but stated it will continue to evaluate global suppliers based on quality, price, and financing.

The Chinese embassy in Argentina characterized the U.S. actions as a promotion of the "China threat theory" and a violation of free-market values. This diplomatic friction coincides with broader trade tensions; the Chinese embassy in the United States recently condemned U.S. plans to ban new Chinese data center component imports and impose tariffs on polysilicon, arguing that the U.S. is overstretching the concept of national security to suppress Chinese firms.

These disputes emerge as the administration of Donald Trump expresses concern over Chinese influence in Latin America. Meanwhile, China and Argentina have strengthened economic ties, recently renewing a five-year bilateral currency swap agreement totaling 130 billion yuan.