Chilean President wants to nationalize lithium mines, page-34

"This is the stealthy form of modern Chinese colonialism. Fully backed by the CCP which will also tie in various 'aid' packages to these deals, behind the scenes."

I think I now understand what you mean by "the stealthy form of modern Chinese colonialism". This 'colonialism" is actually empowering the the "colony" such as this I read in wiki:

"For years, business in Africa was hampered by poor transportation between countries and regions.[62] Chinese-African associations have worked towards ending this unproductive situation. China provides infrastructure funding and workforce in exchange for immediate preferential relations including lower resource prices or shares of African resources. As a secondary effect, this infrastructure allows Africa to increase its production and exports, improve the quality of life and increase the condition of millions of Africans, who will one day become as many millions of potential buyers of Chinese goods.The recent Sino-Angolan association is illustrative. When a petroleum-rich area called for investment and rebuilding, China advanced a $5 billion loan to be repaid in oil. They sent Chinese technicians, fixing a large part of the electrical system, and leading a part of the reconstruction. In the short term Angola benefits from Chinese-built roads, hospitals, schools, hotels, football stadiums, shopping centers and telecommunications projects.[63][64] In turn, Angola mortgaged future oil production of a valuable, non-renewable resource. It may turn out to be a costly trade for Angola, but their needs for infrastructure is immediate and that is precisely what China provides when no one else is willing to do so. And thusly, Angola has become China's leading energy supplier.[64]"

"China provides when no one else is willing to do so" is I think the key why China has beaten the West's influence in the developing countries. And that must be why it has been demonized.

But there is a lesson there; for Allkem to be secure into the future in Argentina, it must not be too greedy; it must spend some money to empower the local people and lift their standard of living.