As tensions rise over Beijing’s effect in South America, China on Tuesday retaliated against the United States ‘ worries over its growing presence in Chile by backing a Chinese celestial job there.
Foreign Ambassador to Chile, Niu Qingbao, criticized the US for meddling in Chile’s intelligent choices and spreading false information about the project during a press event in Santiago.
The National Astronomical Observatory of China and the Catholic University of the North, both of whom planned a room centre in the Atacama Desert in 2023, collaborated on the project.
The proposed camera would be primarily used to study stars and near-Earth asteroids. The action was entangled in the US-China trade war that was taking place under the Trump administration.
Beijing’s investments in the Latin American equipment, agriculture, energy, and miners sectors outweigh the US as the region’s major trading partner, raising Washington’s concerns about China’s presence in the Americas.
Trump’s candidate for Chile ambassador Brandon Judd expressed concern about China’s existence in this robust South American nation at his Senate confirmation hearing in the first few days. He pledged to show that America is a better buying lover.
According to Judd,” We are the better companion in anything,” according to the Associated Press, “whether it’s Antarctica, fisheries, or sea conservation.”
” We will continue to develop our relationships to Chile and restrict China’s access to any sources that Chile may have,” Judd continued.
Democrat Senator Jeanne Shaheen viewed China’s planned Chilean lens as measures of Beijing’s global objectives, along with its Brazilian place place.
At a time when the United States is retreating, Shaheen said,” China is increasing its impact throughout Latin America, throughout Africa, and throughout the earth.”
Shaheen continued,” That is not in our safety interest.”
The Foreign Ministry immediately requested that the Peruvian authorities review the project, stating that its scope needed to be clarified.
US officials expressed concern that these place facilities might increase China’s intelligence capabilities despite China’s protestations of military intentions.
On Tuesday, Ambassador Niu refrained from expressing his doubts, claiming that China had no political interests. He claimed that by mischaracterizing Chinese initiatives, the US was causing tensions.
He compared the proposed station to the other northern Chile cameras, including the Rubin Observatory, which is being funded by the United States, which will open later this month.
” We are closely monitoring the improvements of the event and wish that the Peruvian part may stop US intervention and endorse the project’s implementation as soon as possible,” said Niu.
The president’s remarks were not immediately addressed by the US State Department.
Aisen Etcheverry, a spokesman for the Peruvian government, confirmed discussions with the Foreign National Astronomical Observatory and the north Catholic university regarding the project’s compliance with Chilean laws.
In Chile’s Atacama Desert, telescopes are operated by several countries, including the US, the European Union, and Australia. Large level, dry weather, firm air, and protection from the Andes Mountains make for ideal conditions for celestial study.
