MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina reassures China bilateral cooperation remains a priority for the Macri administration

After a meeting with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, Argentine Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra said investment projects with China would go ahead.

Argentina on Thursday sought to reassure China that bilateral cooperation remained a priority for its new government amid growing concerns over political changes in the South American country. After a meeting with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, Argentine Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra said investment projects with China would go ahead.

 Argentina’s government, led by newly elected President Mauricio Macri, had announced a review of the deals with China made by the previous administration, amid concerns over “technological errors” and “confidentiality issues”.

The deals include the controversial Nestor Kirchner and Jorge Cepernic dams on the Santa Cruz River, a US$5.7 billion joint project with a local firm and China-based Gezhouba Group.

The new president of Argentina will ensure that cooperation projects with China will be a top priority and make sure these projects are implemented on a long-term basis,” Malcorra emphasized.

The two companies won the bid in 2013, prompting concerns in Argentina over China’s growing influence in the country and threats to the environment.

Malcorra said the local authorities conducted a comprehensive review of the project and adjusted the costs and plans “based on mutual understanding”, adding that the problems had been resolved.

Argentina’s government was also reviewing a US$1.5 billion nuclear plant deal signed with China National Nuclear Corporation in November, and details of the agreement would be finalized in the next few months, Malcorra said.

Malcorra pointed out that the Chinese government had repeatedly assured that a controversial China-backed satellite space station in Patagonia was not for military use.

Wang called for expanded cooperation with Argentina in the economy and energy as well as new areas including infrastructure, communication, mining and technology.