Chile Reviews Chinese Astronomical Observatory Project Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Chile has put the proposed Ventarrones Astronomical Park project by China under review, raising concerns about Beijing’s scientific ambitions in the region. The US embassy has highlighted military connections within Chinese programs, while China’s embassy claims the project is transparent. This situation underscores the escalating US-China rivalry for influence in Latin America, with Chile’s review signaling a potential shift in its geopolitical strategy.

Chile has recently placed a planned Chinese astronomical observatory project under review, which could hinder Beijing’s scientific objectives in Latin America. Announced by the Chilean foreign ministry on March 19, the Ventarrones Astronomical Park project, located in the Atacama Desert, is said to be “under review, it is not cancelled,” although specific reasons for the review were not provided by government officials.

The project was initially formulated during President Xi Jinping’s visit in 2016, following an agreement with Chile’s Catholic University of the North (UCN). This observatory is intended to be situated in one of the premier astronomical locations globally, the Atacama Desert, known for its pristine dark skies and existing international observatories.

The US embassy in Santiago has expressed concerns regarding Beijing’s Civilian-Military Fusion Strategy, particularly the connections between China’s military and its civilian scientific programs. In a statement, the embassy articulated, “we cannot live in a world where China has more influence and presence than we do in our region.”

Western analysts have echoed similar apprehensions, emphasizing that Beijing obscures military applications behind a facade of civilian research. Liza Tobin, a senior director at the Special Competitive Studies Project, remarked that Beijing keeps its research collaborators unaware of the true scope of their activities.

In defense of the observatory, the Chinese embassy in Santiago described it as “an open and transparent international initiative” and highlighted the hypocrisy of nations critical of technological cooperation while maintaining extensive military bases abroad.

This controversy illustrates the escalating geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China for influence in Latin America. The Trump administration has viewed the region as its “backyard,” but China has made substantial gains, becoming the largest trading partner for several nations, including Chile, and engaging two-thirds of Latin American countries in Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Chile’s reconsideration of the observatory project may signal a shift in regional dynamics regarding the US-China competition, with possible consequences for future scientific collaborations with Beijing. President Gabriel Boric’s recent push for a proactive geopolitical role for Chile aligns with the review of this Chinese initiative.

Despite this, Chile has strengthened its ties with China, with Chinese companies controlling 60% of its electrical grid, and China now receiving 40% of Chilean exports. Furthermore, China’s space initiatives extend beyond Chile, with infrastructure in countries such as Kiribati, Namibia, Pakistan, and Venezuela, raising international concerns about dual-use capabilities.

For instance, in Venezuela, Chinese-built ground stations facilitate a satellite launched by Beijing, and Bolivia’s Amachuma Station operates continuously to monitor satellites from afar. Additionally, China has expanded its operations to Antarctica, deploying the TianMu Time Domain Astronomical Observation Network and establishing two research stations.

These developments have led analysts to believe that such stations form a crucial part of China’s overall space infrastructure, which includes capabilities for tracking and telemetry essential to satellite management that enhances Beijing’s capacity to monitor orbital activities effectively.

The review of the Chinese astronomical observatory project in Chile reflects significant geopolitical considerations amid the rising tensions between the United States and China in Latin America. While the potential impacts on cooperation and support for technological initiatives remain unclear, Chile’s recent actions could indicate a shifting approach to external influences. As China’s presence in the region expands, it will be vital to monitor the evolving dynamics and implications for international relations and scientific collaboration in the area.

Original Source: www.intellinews.com