Overview
- Seven La Libertad Avanza deputies and one PRO lawmaker traveled to China from January 8 to 14 under a group led by Juliana Santillán to discuss trade and meet officials including Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
- After images of the group on an Emirates flight during a Dubai stopover went viral, scrutiny intensified over who financed the trip and whether public funds were used.
- The office of Chamber President Martín Menem denied any congressional funding and characterized the journey as an invitation, while Santillán said each deputy covered personal expenses.
- Separate reports, citing unnamed sources, allege Huawei paid for the trip, and critics highlight the lawmakers’ 2024 vote for a tax treaty that eases burdens on Chinese companies.
- Opponents in the Chamber argue the circumstances could raise exposure to international bribery or conflicts of interest, and calls for clarification continue as the case develops.