The US government has imposed visa restrictions on three Chilean officials as a diplomatic reprimand for the country's trade ties to China, as well as a proposed undersea cable linking the two countries. The US warned these actions undermined regional security.
The State Department said the individuals and their immediate families will not be eligible to enter the US, and authorities have revoked any visas previously held by them. While the US did not disclose the identities of the three officials, Chile's Transport and Telecommunications Minister, Juan Carlos Muñoz, confirmed he is one of the targeted officials.
Chile's Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren has said that the US concerns are over a proposal by two Chinese companies to build an undersea cable linking Chile and Hong Kong. Van Klaveren said the proposal was still in an early stage, and nothing had been confirmed.
"The US government believes that cable could in some way pose a threat to its security," Chile's Foreign Minister said.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the restrictions were imposed on Chilean officials "who knowingly directed, authorised, funded, provided significant support to, and/or carried out activities that compromised critical telecommunications infrastructure and undermined regional security in our hemisphere." Adding the US will continue "to promote accountability for Chilean nationals who internationally work to destabilise our hemisphere."
The action was taken as Chile prepares for a transition of power, with President-elect José Antonio Kast set to assume office on 11 March, succeeding Gabriel Boric.
US officials expressed an intent to work with the incoming administration on shared security objectives.
Chile is currently the only South American nation with a US visa waiver programme, allowing its citizens to travel to the US without a visa under normal circumstances.
Chile’s Foreign Affairs Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the visa restrictions.
The State Department stated it would continue using all available resources to protect regional safety and stability.
