根據路透社看到的信件內容，美國眾議院外交事務委員會主席馬斯特透過信函向國務卿盧比歐示警，「中國惡意影響力」介入阿根廷一項重大合約競標。這封4月23日的信函關切的是負責阿根廷巴拉那河疏浚及經營的25年期合約。這條關鍵水道承擔阿根廷多數農產品出口，阿根廷方面估計，相關投資規模將達100億美元。招標條件明確禁止國有企業參與，防止中企投標。然而馬斯特在信中對盧比歐表示，中方正試圖「透過民間代理人來規避」。信中主張，爭取合約的比利時疏浚公司楊德諾透過所屬聯盟成員─阿根廷公司Servimagnus，「與中華人民共和國國有實體維持深厚且持續的關係」，令人「嚴重關切」。楊德諾與Servimagnus在回覆路透社提問時則表示，有關兩家公司在競標過程中與中資有關聯的說法「完全不實且懷有惡意」，「沒有中國公司以合作夥伴或供應商的身分參與」。美國總統川普的政府是阿根廷總統米雷伊的緊密盟友，而川普政府已對中國在拉丁美洲的影響力表達憂心。以今年3月的數據來看，中國是阿根廷的第2大貿易夥伴。
FACT BOX · 重點整理
- 來源：中央社 CNA
- 分類：Geopolitical Business News
常見問題
What is the main concern raised by US lawmakers regarding the Argentine contract?
US lawmakers are concerned about "Chinese malicious influence" potentially circumventing the rules to get involved in a major 25-year contract for dredging and operating Argentina's Parana River.
Which specific contract is at the center of the controversy?
The 25-year contract for dredging and operating the Parana River in Argentina, a crucial waterway for the country's agricultural exports.
What is the estimated value and duration of the contract?
The contract is estimated to be worth $10 billion over 25 years.
Which company is leading the bid and facing scrutiny?
The Belgian dredging company Jan De Nul, which has operated the waterway for decades, is leading the bid but is being scrutinized for alleged deep ties between its alliance member, Servimagnus, and Chinese state-owned entities.
How did Jan De Nul and Servimagnus respond to the allegations?
They stated that claims of their association with Chinese capital in the bidding process are "completely false and malicious," and that "no Chinese company is involved as a partner or supplier."