In northern Argentina earlier this year, Ai Qing found herself abruptly awakened in the dead of night by the clamorous uproar of angry chants resonating outside her dormitory.

Peering through her window, she witnessed Argentine workers encircling the compound, their protest escalated by the blockade they erected at the entrance using flaming tires.

Recalling the ordeal, Ms. Ai recounts, “It was getting scary because I could see the sky being lit up by the fire. It had become a riot.”

Ai, employed by a Chinese firm engaged in lithium extraction from Andean salt flats for battery production, experienced firsthand the tensions sparked by the termination of Argentine staff contracts.

This incident underscores a mounting trend of friction between Chinese enterprises and local communities. China’s expanding footprint in mining operations, particularly in regions abundant in minerals crucial for the burgeoning green economy, is driving this escalation.

A mere decade ago, a Chinese firm marked a pivotal milestone by acquiring Argentina’s inaugural stake in an extraction venture within the “lithium triangle” encompassing Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile—home to the lion’s share of the world’s lithium reservoirs.

Numerous additional Chinese investments in local mining ventures have ensued, as documented by mining publications, corporate disclosures, government releases, and media coverage. Based on comprehensive analysis, the BBC approximates that Chinese firms now wield ownership over an estimated 33% of the lithium reserves within operational or forthcoming projects.

However, the growth of Chinese enterprises has been accompanied by accusations of misconduct akin to those frequently directed at other multinational mining corporations.

For Ai Qing, the fiery demonstration came as a shock. Initially anticipating a tranquil existence in Argentina, she instead found herself thrust into conflict resolution due to her proficiency in Spanish.

“It was a challenging situation,” she reflects.