Overview
- Argentina let a key cooperation accord lapse in June and customs in Buenos Aires have held at least four containers of critical parts since September valued at roughly $15 million.
- Officials cite shipment irregularities and the government ordered Defense Ministry vetting of radar and aerospace installations in October.
- The San Juan CART facility was planned as a 40‑meter, approximately $300–350 million radio telescope led by CONICET, UNSJ and China’s CAS/NAOC, with construction reportedly 60–90% advanced.
- Argentine astronomers and universities maintain the project is strictly scientific and met with customs authorities on November 4 to seek the release of retained equipment.
- Beijing has expressed frustration over the detentions and withheld some deliveries, while U.S. envoys urged Argentina to avoid Chinese observation sites, pointing to the Neuquén precedent.