China’s Ventarrones Observatory in Chile: Analyzing Dual-Use Concerns

The Ventarrones Observatory in Chile, a project backed by China, raises dual-use concerns regarding its strategic implications for surveillance and monitoring. Access for Chilean scientists is reportedly limited, drawing parallels to China’s dealings in Argentina. Experts emphasize the necessity for vigilance to protect sovereignty as China continues to expand its global space infrastructure.

China’s growth in the space sector is altering its global strategic position, highlighted by the establishment of the Ventarrones Observatory in Chile’s Atacama Desert. This project has raised alarms regarding its potential dual-use capabilities, as indicated by the London-based intelligence firm Grey Dynamics. The observatory is poised to enhance China’s astronomical surveillance efforts aimed at fulfilling its national strategic objectives by providing comprehensive scans of the southern and northern hemispheres every 30 minutes.

The Ventarrones Observatory, at approximately 2,600 meters above sea level, is a collaborative endeavor involving Chile’s North Catholic University (UCN) and the Chinese National Astronomical Observatory. Despite a substantial initial investment of $80 million from China, reports suggest that the roles of Chilean scientists within the observatory will be significantly restricted. Intelligence sources cited that Chilean researchers would only have access to the facility for a mere one night per month, subject to Chinese operational requirements.

Concerns have emerged over the restrictive measures imposed by China, reminiscent of past foreign strategies that marginalized local communities. Political science expert Luis Fleischman remarked that the conditions of the Ventarrones Observatory parallel arrangements established by China in Argentina and evoke historical practices of the Soviet Union in Egypt. He further emphasized that China’s strategy targets nations with the necessary resources and geopolitical significance, with Chile being a key area of interest.

The observatory will house the Transient Objects Monitoring (TOM) Project, which includes plans for an optical telescope system and supplementary infrastructure. However, the UCN has expressed uncertainty about the specific research objectives and operational protocols, raising flags over potential military applications of the research conducted at the observatory. Furthermore, experts caution that China’s external projects often serve broader strategic, economic, and military interests.

China’s formidable presence in global space infrastructure spans various nations, including Kiribati, Namibia, and Venezuela, raising dual-use concerns on a wide scale. In Venezuela, for example, China has established ground stations and reportedly launched a satellite. Such infrastructure plays a pivotal role in satellite monitoring and control, further extending China’s global space capabilities.

In summary, the establishment of the Ventarrones Observatory in Chile has surfaced significant concerns regarding China’s intentions and the broader implications for regional sovereignty. The dual-use potential of such facilities, along with restrictive agreements for local participation, underscores the importance of vigilance by the Chilean government and the necessity for international cooperation that respects local autonomy. Experts warn that a proactive approach is essential to safeguard national interests against the extensive reach of China’s strategic efforts in space exploration.

Original Source: dialogo-americas.com