Chile rejects US sanctions over technology project with China

Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren confirmed that the United States has sanctioned three officials over a fiber optic project with China. Among those sanctioned is Transport Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz , due to plans for a submarine cable that would connect Chile with the Asian giant. Washington alleges that the initiative, still in the initial evaluation phase, represents a supposed threat to its national security.

In response, Santiago lodged a formal protest with U.S. Ambassador Brandon Judd, demanding an explanation for the measure. The State Department restricted visas for the officials, accusing them of undermining regional security by supporting critical infrastructure. The Chilean government described this action as an unjustified interference in sovereign decisions that have not yet been definitively approved.

In addition to Minister Muñoz , the local press identifies Undersecretary Claudio Araya and Chief of Staff Guillermo Petersen as also being sanctioned. The United States maintains that these officials authorized activities that compromise the strategic interests of the hemisphere. This diplomatic offensive comes amid the trade war and technological dispute that Washington is waging with China over connectivity in the region.

From Easter Island, President Gabriel Boric reaffirmed that Chile is and will remain an autonomous country in its international decisions. The president rejected the accusations and emphasized that his administration never engages in activities that undermine the security of other nations. Boric stressed that Chile's technological infrastructure is defined according to its own development criteria and not under the dictates of foreign powers.

Chile maintains several connectivity plans, such as the Humboldt project, developed in partnership with Google to link Valparaíso with Sydney. However, the "Chile-China Express" project to Hong Kong is generating direct friction with the Trump administration. This clash of interests demonstrates how tensions between the two powers are pressuring South American countries to align themselves with their geopolitical objectives.

Finally, the Chilean Foreign Ministry reiterated that its foreign policy is based on multilateralism and self-determination. The incident marks a point of high tension in the bilateral relationship with the United States over control of 5G technology and fiber optics. Chile maintains its position of evaluating proposals that benefit its digital integration, rejecting any external attempt to limit its trade alliances.