Argentina’s Milei Seeking Defense Cooperation with US, Dealing Blow to China
An agreement signed in 2012 between officials in Argentina’s Neuquen Province and Beijing led to the establishment of a deep space tracking station near the Chilean border, catching the attention of Washington.
Since the signing of the Espacio Lejano agreement, concerns have been raised by analysts and U.S. officials about China’s expanding collaboration with Argentina in security and surveillance.
President Milei, who took office in 2023, succeeded President Alberto Fernandez, who had strengthened ties with China. Milei, known for his anti-communist stance, has focused on moving away from socialist policies and towards a more libertarian approach.
During his tenure, Milei has implemented significant economic reforms and reduced the size of the government.
Recent positive signals indicate that the Milei administration is prioritizing defense relations with the United States over China, as per Leland Lazarus from Florida International University.
General Richardson visited Argentina in April, where she donated a transport aircraft to the Argentinian Air Force and toured a naval facility in Ushuaia, signaling closer security cooperation between the two countries.
In Ushuaia, Ms. Richardson met with local military personnel to discuss safeguarding global trade shipping routes.
During the previous administration, China received preferential treatment, including permission to build a port facility near the Strait of Magellan.
Shifts in defense collaboration became evident when Argentina’s Defense Minister signed a purchase agreement for F-16 fighter jets from Denmark, marking a historic military acquisition.
