Javier Milei canceled the construction of a Chinese space radar in San Juan and redirected foreign policy
President Javier Milei canceled the construction of a Chinese space radar in San Juan . The project, with an estimated investment of US$350 million , was part of a global space monitoring network. The decision reinforces the province's alignment with the United States and its support for President Donald Trump , according to official sources. The National University of San Juan expressed its rejection of the project and defended its scientific value.
The observatory, designed with a 40-meter reflector , was intended to have a greater range than the antenna that China operates in Neuquén . The idea originated in 2015 , during the administration of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner , in conjunction with CONICET ( National Scientific and Technical Research Council), the Government of San Juan , and the Chinese Academy of Sciences .
The National University of San Juan (UNSJ) explained that the work represented “genuine cooperation.” They noted that it was the result of more than 30 years of scientific exchange between Argentina and China. “It was a unique opportunity for the country’s astronomical development,” university spokespeople stated.
The cancellation of the radar project demonstrates Javier Milei's new diplomatic direction . His government seeks to strengthen the alliance with the United States and limit Chinese-origin technology projects.
In December 2024 , the government halted the import of equipment from China due to irregularities in the documentation . The Ministry of Defense explained that the decision was reviewed in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , which subsequently decided to permanently suspend the project.
"The president's priority is to strengthen ties with the West," sources close to the government said.
#Now The Government has deactivated China's project to install another space surveillance radar in Argentina
The observatory, ostensibly for scientific purposes and under the control of the Chinese Communist Party, was to be installed in El Leoncito, San Juan. It had a greater range than… pic.twitter.com/SNKvvHvrG2
Following the suspension, the only active Chinese radar in the country is the one operating in Bajada del Agrio, Neuquén . La Nación also requested an inspection of that facility.
The station is operated by the Chinese Space Agency and is generating concern in the United States due to its potential dual use: civilian and military. Beijing has always maintained that its purpose is exclusively scientific .
A signal from Milei towards Washington
With this measure, Milei reaffirms his alignment with the United States and his political closeness to Donald Trump , who assumed the presidency again in January 2025.
On the diplomatic front, the gesture is interpreted as a sign of confidence in the West . The Argentine government hopes this rapprochement will spur new investments and technological cooperation under US supervision.
Meanwhile, the local academic community is expressing concern about the loss of international projects . These initiatives allowed Argentine scientists to access world-class infrastructure and knowledge.
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