China slammed us by increasing tension at the Space Observatory Project in Chile

China on Tuesday pushed behind its growing presence in Chile against the United States concerns, defending a Chinese astronomical project in the north of the country, stressed on the impact of Beijing in South America.
During a press conference in Santiago, Chinese Ambassador to Chile, Nehu Kingbao criticized us for focusing on Chile’s autonomous decisions and spreading false information about the project.
Astronomical initiative originated with a 2023 collaboration between China’s National Astronomical Observatory and Catholic University in Chile, North, planned a space observatory in the Atakama Desert.
The proposed telescope will focus on looking at close-earth asteroids and comets. The initiative was caught in the ongoing US-China competition during the Trump administration.
Washington’s concerns about China’s presence in the US increased, as Beijing increased its investment in Latin American infrastructure, agriculture, energy and mining areas, which crosses the US as the primary trading partner of the region.
At the hearing of his Senate confirmed at the beginning of the month, Brandon Jude, nominated by Trump’s Chile’s Ambassador, expressed concern about China’s presence in this stable South American nation. He promised to demonstrate American superiority as a business partner.
“We are better partners in everything, whether Antarctica, Fishing, Marine Protection – in all areas that are very important for Chile,” an associate press said.
“We will continue to strengthen our relations for Chile and limit access to all China’s resources that can be available,” Jude said.
Democratic senator Jean Shaheen saw China’s employed Chile Telescope and its Argentina Space Station as an indicator of the global aspirations of Beijing.
Shaheen said, “China is pulling back all over Latin America, all over Africa, across the world, at a time when pulling back the United States,” Shaheen said.
“This is not in our security interest,” said Shaheen.
The Chile government later suspended the project for review, with the Ministry of External Affairs with the need for clarification to its scope.
Despite China’s denial of military objectives, US authorities expressed concern about these space features, making China’s intelligence capabilities possible.
Ambassador Niyu rejected these concerns on Tuesday, there was no geopolitical interest of China. He accused the US of creating tension by misbehaving Chinese projects.
He compared the proposed observatory to existing telescopes in Northern Chile, including American-funded Rubin Observatory later this year.
“We are closely monitoring the development of the event and hope that Chile’s side can eliminate us intervention and approve the implementation of the project as soon as possible,” NIU said.
The US State Department did not respond to the statements of the ambassador.
Chile government spokesperson Aisin Asheriri confirmed the discussion with both the Northern Catholic University and the Chinese National Astronomical Observatory about the alignment of the project with the rules of Chile.
Various nations including the US, the European Union and Australia operate the observatory in the Atakama desert of Chile. Unique features of this region – high altitude, dry climate, stable air, and protection of Andes Mountains – create an ideal position for astronomical observation.