U.S. Presses Argentina and Chile to Review Chinese Telescope Projects

The U.S. has pressed Argentina and Chile to review two Chinese telescope projects in the Andean deserts. One project involves a large radio telescope at the Cesco observatory in San Juan Province, Argentina. The telescope sits in one of the world's premier stargazing locations, surrounded by mountain ranges and free of light pollution.

It is positioned on the opposite side of the planet from Beijing, which would allow observation of portions of the sky not visible from China. The project has not been completed. After the U.S. government repeatedly pressed Argentine officials on the issue, authorities stopped the project's completion.

The telescope now sits dismembered with its gigantic antenna pointing at the sky. Key parts have been held at customs for about nine months. A document from the Argentine government's cabinet chief stated that procedural violations in renewing the deal with China prevented the project from going forward.

The government declined to comment on whether U.S. diplomacy played a role in the decision.

Last year Chile stopped a Chinese astronomical observatory project in the Atacama Desert after strong urging from the U.S. ambassador. China is a key trading partner for many countries in Latin America and has sought to build scientific and security ties in the region.

As the United States views Beijing as a rival in space, the stars above South America have become points in a geopolitical struggle. Top American officials have tried to halt astronomy projects in the Andean deserts over concerns that China could use them for military purposes.

The Trump administration says it is enforcing an updated Monroe Doctrine in part to counter China's growing footprint in the Western Hemisphere. China's relations in the region could come up in official talks this week in Beijing between President Trump and Xi Jinping.

Astronomers are worried about setbacks to research from the reviews of these projects.