Vaca Muerta once again at the center of the US-China technology dispute

The United States government renewed its objections to the participation of Chinese companies in strategic projects in Argentina, focusing on the technological infrastructure associated with Vaca Muerta. U.S. Ambassador Peter Lamelas warned about the use of equipment and systems from companies such as Huawei, ZTE, Hikvision, Hytera, Dahua and DJI.

According to the diplomat, these suppliers could pose risks to cybersecurity and the handling of sensitive information. Lamelas also backed the position of Juan Pablo Segura, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere, who urged countries in the region to replace Chinese technology with suppliers considered trustworthy by Washington.

The warning comes as authorities review plans to install Huawei-linked digital infrastructure in the Vaca Muerta area. The project includes a data center intended for the storage and processing of information related to energy activity, once again placing the Neuquén deposit at the center of the technological and economic dispute between the two powers.

Lamelas' stance adds to previous statements in which he had questioned the presence of Chinese technology in Argentina's strategic infrastructure. At the time, he argued that this situation "will not help" attract new international investment.

His remarks drew criticism from opposition sectors in Argentina, who argued that the selection of suppliers and business partners is a matter for national authorities. The Chinese embassy, for its part, accused Washington of employing a "Cold War mentality," rejected the espionage allegations and defended Huawei's security standards.

The diplomatic exchange is part of a global competition for control over networks, data and digital infrastructure in strategic sectors such as energy and telecommunications. While the United States links these capabilities to national security, China seeks to expand the presence of its technology companies in key markets.

With information from Energía Online.