Chile Reviews Chinese Observatory Project Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Chile has put a planned Chinese observatory project under review, impacting Beijing’s scientific ambitions in Latin America. The decision arises amidst US concerns about China’s military-civilian integration strategy. This situation underscores the growing geopolitical competition between the US and China in the region, where Chile has previously reinforced its ties with China.

Chile has placed a planned Chinese astronomical observatory project, the Ventarrones Astronomical Park, under review. This initiative, located in the Atacama desert—renowned for its exceptional astronomical conditions—was initially agreed upon during President Xi Jinping’s visit in 2016 and was established through a collaboration with Chile’s Catholic University of the North (UCN). The Chilean foreign ministry clarified that while the project is under review, it has not been cancelled, lacking any specific details regarding the reasons behind this decision.

Concerns about the observatory project have emerged from the US embassy in Santiago. Although the embassy did not address the proposal directly, it highlighted apprehensions regarding China’s military-civilian integration strategy and its potential influence in the region. The US embassy stated a firm stance that, “we cannot live in a world where China has more influence and presence than we do in our region.”

Analysts have similarly expressed concerns, indicating that Beijing often disguises military applications beneath the facade of civilian research. Liza Tobin, senior director for the economy at the Special Competitive Studies Project, remarked that Beijing keeps research partners unaware of the specific military scope of its activities, raising alarms about transparency in international collaborations.

In defense of its project, the Chinese embassy in Santiago referred to the observatory as “an open and transparent international initiative.” They criticized external nations for interfering in legitimate technological partnerships, indirectly referencing the US’s extensive military presence abroad.

This situation highlights the escalating geopolitical competition between the United States and China in Latin America, a region that the Trump administration categorized as its own sphere under a revised Monroe Doctrine. Historically, the US has viewed Latin America as within its influence, but China has made significant economic inroads, becoming the largest trading partner for countries such as Chile and enlisting many nations in its Belt and Road Initiative.

Chile’s reevaluation of the observatory project may indicate a shift in its foreign policy strategy concerning Sino-American competition. President Gabriel Boric’s administration appears poised to assert a more dynamic role on the geopolitical stage, as indicated by this recent decision.

Despite the review, Chile has maintained a close partnership with China, with Chinese corporations operating 60 percent of the country’s electrical grid and receiving 40 percent of Chile’s exports. China’s increasing presence in the region raises alarms, particularly as the nation expands its space initiatives to other countries such as Kiribati, Namibia, Pakistan, and Venezuela.

China’s space infrastructure, including stations that control satellites and monitor orbital activities, has been developed in various countries. Specifically, in Venezuela and Bolivia, Chinese-installed ground stations have been established to facilitate satellite operations, highlighting concerns about potential dual-use technologies that could enhance military capabilities as well.

In summary, Chile’s review of the Chinese observatory project represents a crucial inflection point in geopolitical dynamics in Latin America. The ongoing scrutiny reflects broader concerns surrounding China’s influence and military affiliations. Although Chile has historically maintained strong ties with China, this reassessment may signal a more cautious approach as the region navigates the complexities of US-China competition while seeking to secure its own interests.

Original Source: www.intellinews.com