The trend towards nationalization of the lithium industry as a threat to Chinese companies operating in Argentina and Chile

The article is dedicated to studying the impact of the trend toward nationalization of the lithium industry in Argentina and Chile on the activities of Chinese companies amid the global surge in demand for lithium, driven by the development of the electric vehicle industry and renewable energy sources. The subject of the study lies in analyzing the operations of Chinese mining and industrial enterprises in Argentina and Chile under the intensifying trend of lithium industry nationalization. Particular attention is paid to the influence of this process on China’s access to lithium resources within the context of global geopolitical competition. The research covers risks associated with the redistribution of control over lithium projects and the potential for economic pressure from the PRC on the «lithium triangle» countries. Additionally, the subject includes an assessment of the adaptation of China’s strategy under nationalization conditions and its implications for China’s position in the global lithium market, considering contemporary economic and political factors, including the weakening influence of the US and the rising demand for lithium. The objective of the work is to evaluate the risks of reduced access to lithium resources for China, the potential for economic pressure by the PRC on Argentina and Chile, and the prospects for adapting China’s strategy in the «lithium triangle» The methodology encompasses the analysis of secondary data from official sources and media, a comparative analysis of the policies of «lithium triangle» countries, case studies of the 2023 nationalization plans and Chinese company activities, and a qualitative assessment of geopolitical factors. The novelty of the work lies in its comprehensive evaluation of the impact of the 2023 nationalization plans in Argentina and Chile on Chinese companies, taking into account modern economic and geopolitical factors, thus making a significant contribution to studies of resource nationalism in the «lithium triangle» This research emphasizes current policy changes in the region, analyzing their consequences for China as a key player in the lithium market. It uniquely integrates the analysis of the 2023 nationalization plans with an assessment of Argentina and Chile’s economic dependence on the PRC, alongside the weakening US position, offering new perspectives on the adaptation of China’s strategy amid intensifying geopolitical competition and growing global lithium demand. The research findings demonstrate that nationalization could shift control over lithium projects to local authorities, forcing China to seek alternative supply chains; however, Argentina and Chile’s reliance on Chinese investments and export markets provides the PRC with room for maneuver, particularly as US influence in the region weakens.

China, Latin America, USA, Lithium triangle, lithium, geopolitical competition, nationalization, chinese investments, resource nationalism, renewable energy sources