An Argentine electric grid operator, CALF, has accused US officials of pressuring it to cancel an infrastructure project with Huawei. A US embassy official reportedly inquired about canceling the project, citing potential visa restrictions for directors of Huawei-linked initiatives. The Chinese embassy in Buenos Aires stated the US "blatantly hindered normal co-operation."

US Ambassador Peter Lamelas denied inappropriate pressure, asserting that visa decisions are made to protect national security and interests. This incident highlights the dual pressures on Argentine President Javier Milei, who maintains strong ties with the US while relying on China for trade and financial support through a $19bn currency swap line.

CALF reported the alleged US interference to the Argentine government, deeming it outside institutional channels. Milei's administration has navigated a complex relationship with China, balancing increased US defense cooperation with vital economic ties. The dispute comes amid broader US efforts to limit China's influence in Latin America, including scrutiny of China's deep-space station in Patagonia.