US pressure has helped stall two Chinese-backed astronomical observatory projects in Argentina and Chile, turning scientific cooperation in the Andes into another front in Washington’s campaign against China’s presence in Latin America.
Argentina halted completion of the China-Argentina Radio Telescope at the Carlos Ulrrico Cesco Astronomical Station in San Juan Province after the US government repeatedly raised concerns with Argentine authorities. American officials said they feared the facility could be used to track US satellites or communicate with Chinese spacecraft.
The 40-metre radio telescope, which would be the largest of its kind in South America, remains unfinished. Argentine authorities held several final components shipped from China at customs for about nine months, leaving the telescope unable to operate.
According to a document from the Argentine cabinet chief, procedural violations in the renewal of the agreement with China prevented the project from proceeding. The Argentine government declined to say whether US diplomatic pressure influenced its decision. Scientists involved in the project have disputed claims that the telescope could be used for military surveillance.
Chile stopped a separate Chinese astronomical observatory project in the Atacama Desert in 2025 after strong urging from the US ambassador.