Chile has announced that it is reviewing an agreement signed with China for the construction of a major astronomical observatory in the Atacama Desert. This project, known as the Ventarrones Astronomical Park, was originally signed in 2016 between China’s President Xi Jinping and Chile’s Catholic University of the North (UCN).
The Atacama Desert is one of the best locations in the world for astronomical research due to its clear skies and minimal light pollution. Several world-class observatories already operate in the region, making it an important hub for space exploration. The Ventarrones project was expected to add to this scientific infrastructure by providing state-of-the-art telescopes for studying the universe.
However, despite being approved years ago, the Chilean foreign ministry has now confirmed that the agreement is under review. While no specific reasons have been provided for this decision, officials emphasized that the project has not been canceled.
According to the ministry, its legal department is closely examining the details of the agreement. Additionally, the government has reached out to both the Catholic University of the North and the Chinese embassy to gather more information about the observatory.
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The Catholic University of the North (UCN) stated that it has already provided all necessary documents related to the project. Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy defended the initiative, calling it an “open and transparent” international scientific collaboration.
US Concerns and Geopolitical Tensions
While Chile has not provided an official reason for reviewing the agreement, the project has faced criticism from Washington. The United States has raised concerns over China’s growing presence in Latin America, particularly in scientific and technological projects that could have strategic implications.
One of the key issues raised by the US embassy in Santiago is China’s Civilian-Military Fusion Strategy. This strategy refers to the integration of civilian and military research in China, which has led to concerns that scientific projects could also serve military purposes. The US government has warned that Chinese academic and research institutions are often linked to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), raising fears about the true objectives behind projects like the Ventarrones observatory.
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In a statement sent to the media, the US embassy’s press section clearly expressed that Washington does not want China to increase its presence and influence in Latin America. The message highlighted that “we cannot live in a world where China has more influence and presence than we do in our region.”
The United States has historically considered Latin America as part of its sphere of influence, following the Monroe Doctrine, which opposes foreign intervention in the region. However, in recent years, China has significantly expanded its economic and diplomatic reach in Latin America, posing a challenge to US dominance.
China’s Expanding Influence in Latin America
Over the past two decades, China has rapidly increased its presence in Latin America through major trade deals, investments, and infrastructure projects. More than two-thirds of Latin American countries have joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—a massive global infrastructure program aimed at strengthening China’s economic and political influence worldwide.
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Countries such as Brazil, Peru, and Chile now have stronger trade relations with China than with the United States. China has invested heavily in Latin America’s mining, energy, and transportation sectors, making it a dominant economic force in the region.
China’s growing role has sparked concerns in Washington, where officials see the Asian giant as a direct competitor. The US fears that China’s investments in scientific and technological projects could be used for dual purposes, blending civilian research with military interests.
The Chinese embassy in Chile has pushed back against US criticism, arguing that the Ventarrones project is purely scientific and does not pose any threat. The embassy also pointed out that certain countries, which maintain hundreds of military bases abroad with thousands of troops, should not interfere in legitimate technological cooperation between other nations.
While Chile continues to review the Ventarrones Astronomical Park agreement, the controversy highlights the ongoing power struggle between China and the United States in Latin America.