- China's embassy in Argentina accused the United States of obstructing bilateral cooperation efforts, particularly in relation to Chinese tech giant Huawei.
- The embassy’s statement claims that the U.S. has been revoking visas to hinder collaboration between an Argentine firm and Huawei.
- The Chinese embassy called the visa revocations an affront to sovereignty and free-market principles.
- "The U.S. embassy in Argentina has deliberately promoted the so-called 'China threat theory', broadened the concept of national security, and, through visa revocations, blatantly hindered normal cooperation," the Chinese embassy said in a statement published on social media late on Wednesday.
- Chinese and Argentine central banks renewed a bilateral currency swap agreement for five years totaling 130 billion yuan ($19.3 billion).
- This development is part of the ongoing U.S.–China competition for influence in Argentina, a nation with strong economic ties to China, including participation in the Belt and Road Initiative.
- The accusation adds to the growing diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and China, as Washington views certain Chinese activities in Argentina as national-security concerns, while Beijing frames these actions as interference in Argentina’s sovereignty.
China's embassy in Argentina has accused the United States of obstructing cooperation with Huawei through visa revocations, which it claims undermines Argentina's sovereignty and free-market principles. The embassy stated, "The U.S. embassy in Argentina has deliberately promoted the so-called 'China threat theory,' broadened the concept of national security, and, through visa revocations, blatantly hindered normal cooperation."123
This accusation is part of the escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations, as the U.S. perceives certain Chinese activities in Argentina as national-security threats. In contrast, Beijing views these actions as interference in Argentina's sovereignty. The U.S. has expressed concerns about Chinese influence in Latin America, particularly in Argentina, which is China's second-largest trading partner.7
The ongoing U.S.-China competition for influence in Argentina is underscored by recent developments, including a renewed bilateral currency swap agreement between the Chinese and Argentine central banks, totaling 130 billion yuan (approximately $19.3 billion). This agreement reflects Argentina's strong economic ties with China, including its participation in the Belt and Road Initiative.56
The U.S. embassy in Argentina did not immediately respond to requests for comment, highlighting the growing divide between the two powers in the region.
“The accusation comes amid a broader US-China rivalry in Argentina, where Beijing is the second-largest trading partner. Earlier this week, the two countries' central banks renewed a five-year currency swap worth 130 billion yuan ($19.3 billion).”
