Argentine lawmakers seek greater oversight of Chinese space facility in Patagonia
Source: Reuters
WORLD NEWS MARCH 29, 2019 / 1:15 PM / UPDATED 4 HOURS AGO
Argentine lawmakers seek greater oversight of Chinese space facility in Patagonia
Cassandra Garrison
3 MIN READ
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentine lawmakers have proposed legislation to boost oversight of a Chinese space tracking station that has stirred unease among local residents, fueled conspiracy theories and sparked concerns amongst critics about its true intent.
The Chinese-run facility, a space observation station located in Argentinas remote Patagonia region, has a powerful 16-story antenna that is able to help monitor and coordinate Chinas growing space program.
Six lawmakers, including the Senate majority leader, submitted a bill to create a commission that would monitor the cooperation agreement between Argentina and the Chinese government relating to the lunar exploration program.
In January, Reuters reported that the remote 200 hectare (494 acre) station operated with little oversight by Argentine authorities. President Mauricio Macris former foreign minister, Susana Malcorra, said Argentina had no physical oversight of the stations operations.
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https://www.reuters.com/article/us-argentina-china-space/argentine-lawmakers-seek-greater-oversight-of-chinese-space-facility-in-patagonia-idUSKCN1RA24I