diplomacyThursday, May 21, 20262 sources

U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Warns of China's Role in Argentina's $10 Billion Parana River Contract Bid

U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Brian Mast warned U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio of 'Chinese malign influence' in a bid for a 25-year dredging and operation contract on Argentina’s Parana River. The contract, valued at $10 billion, is critical for Argentina’s agricultural exports. The tender is currently in its early stages.

On May 21, 2026, Brian Mast, chair of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued a warning to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the potential for Chinese influence in a major contract bid in Argentina. The contract involves a 25-year dredging and operation agreement for the Parana River, a key waterway for Argentina’s agricultural exports. Argentina estimates the contract will bring in $10 billion in investment. The tender is currently in its early stages, with details incomplete.

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Sources

IndependentSouth China Morning PostMay 22, 12:36 AM
US foreign affairs chairman warns of China role in Argentina contract bid

US House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast has warned US Secretary of State Marco Rubio of “Chinese malign influence” in a bid for a major contract in Argentina, according to a letter seen by Reuters. The April 23 letter concerns an auction for a 25-year contract to dredge and operate Argentina’s Parana River, a vital waterway for most of ‌the country’s agricultural exports, that Argentina estimates will reach US$10 billion in investment. The terms of the tender, which is in its...

IndependentStraits TimesMay 21, 06:14 PM
U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair warns of China role in Argentina contract bid - The Straits Times

U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair warns of China role in Argentina contract bid  The Straits Times