http://www.chinadialogue.net/article/show/single/en/4026

apparently china plans to lessen the dominance of the usa around the world. i believes hugo's views are aligned with china's, so why would he not consider allowing china to mine the las cristinas deposit?

"They seek to fashion a multi-polar world in which no single power – read the United States – plays an overwhelmingly dominant role. To this end, they seek to bolster ties with rising regional powers like Brazil and South Africa."

for hugo to disrespect the chinese would serve no purpose, and serve as a tremendous insult.

http://www.chinese-symbols.com/chinese-business-culture/importance-of-face-in-chinese-business-culture.html

if robert fung says the deal is in the works, i believe him. it will happen when it is time.