The embassy publicly responded without denying the messages: “We do not comment on private diplomatic engagements. However, as Secretary (Marco) Rubio has emphasized, entry to the United States is a privilege, not a right.”
In that same vein, it was added that “The Government of the United States actively defends its national security interests and continuously reviews the eligibility requirements for visas,” and it was warned that “individuals and entities whose actions undermine the security of the United States will not enjoy the privilege of traveling to the United States.”
Subsequently, in his formal response to CALF, Lamelas reinforced his arguments by stating: “Companies subject to Chinese security and intelligence laws are required to hand over the data they collect, anywhere in the world, to the Chinese Communist Party.”
The diplomat also directly linked this concern to Argentine energy development: “Given the importance of Vaca Muerta in the local economy and CALF's primary role, we believe that protecting this data is a shared responsibility: a matter of cybersecurity and the competitive and long-term logic of the province, not just U.S. national interests.”
And he concluded: “Our role, as an Embassy, is to promote safe and reliable technologies, and we would appreciate the opportunity to discuss your technological plans, as well as offer technical assistance.”
