A secret Chinese space station is being built on land in Argentina as a result of a deal four years ago which granted China permission to use the land for space exploration.
Argentina and China have discussed using the space for a program dedicated to “moon exploration and other space activities.” Although the agreement between the two nations called for the programs to operate under a certain level of secrecy, Argentina’s President Maurico Macri has vowed to make certain confidential information publicly available. Despite Argentina’s willingness to make research information public, China has been quiet about their involvement in the program.
The station will be located in the Patagonia region of Argentina, which provides flat expanses that are suitable for space exploration work. The location also provides China the ability to conduct research from the Southern Hemisphere. Through the use of large antennae, researchers will be able use the space and its facilities to monitor the moon and other celestial bodies.
Although there are concerns that China plans for the facility to be used for military purposes, government officials maintain that it will be used solely by civilians. Construction on the site is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.
Despite the seemingly harmonious relationship between the two nations, earlier in the week, Argentina sank a Chinese boat which crossed into its waters. All four members of the boat’s crew were rescued and arrested.
Tom Ciccotta writes about Free Speech and Intellectual Diversity for Breitbart Tech. You can follow him on Twitter @tciccotta.