Chiles sharp shift to the right puts it at the centre of China-US rivalry
Chile’s election of an ultraconservative leader has created another vocal ally for US President Donald Trump in a lithium-rich region where China has emerged as the dominant economic partner, positioning the South American country at the centre of an intensifying superpower rivalry. In what was probably Chile’s sharpest rightward shift since the end of its…
Beijing congratulated Kast on his election on Monday, with foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun highlighting the “strong momentum” in bilateral relations since Chile became the first South American country to establish diplomatic ties with China 55 years ago.
“China stands ready to work with Chile’s new government to further deepen mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation in all areas, advance the China-Chile comprehensive strategic partnership to new levels and deliver greater benefits to the peoples of both countries,” he said.
In a victory speech to supporters in Santiago on Sunday evening, Kast, 59, vowed to bring “real change” after he takes office on March 11, while acknowledging that there were “no magical solutions” and that progress would require perseverance and time.
