Milei halts Chinese radio-telescope project in Argentina’s west

Milei Halts Chinese Radio Telescope Project in Argentina’s West

The administration of President Javier Milei, aligned with U.S. interests, has ended a long-standing scientific collaboration by suspending the China-Argentina Radio Telescope (CART) project in San Juan Province.

Background of the CART Project

Launched nearly ten years ago, the China-Argentina Radio Telescope was a joint initiative symbolizing bilateral cooperation between China and Argentina. It aimed to build a significant radio telescope in El Leoncito, San Juan, as part of a global network for space monitoring.

Partnership and Contributions

The project was co-promoted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
It involved the Observatorio Astronómico “Félix Aguilar” at the National San Juan University (UNSJ).
CONICET, Argentina’s national scientific research institute, was also a key participant.

Current Situation

The agreement that authorized the telescope’s construction expired in June and was not renewed by the Milei government, leaving the project in uncertainty.

President Javier Milei’s government has suspended a joint Argentine-Chinese project to construct a huge radio telescope in El Leoncito, San Juan Province.

This cancellation is viewed as part of a broader shift in Argentina’s foreign policy under the current administration.

Author’s Summary

President Milei’s government has halted a major scientific project with China, signaling a shift in Argentina's foreign relations and ending a decade of bilateral collaboration.

Buenos Aires Times — 2025-11-05