U.S. Imposes Visa Restrictions on Chilean Officials Over Chinese Cable

The United States government imposed visa restrictions on three Chilean officials involved in a Chinese-funded undersea digital cable project. U.S. officials cited national security concerns and the risk of foreign hacking as the primary drivers for the sanctions. U.S. Ambassador Brandon Judd warned that Chile could lose its visa waiver program if the country fails to screen strategic investments.

These diplomatic measures occur during a leadership transition in Chile, shortly before the scheduled inauguration of President-elect José Antonio Kast on March 11 and the Shield of the Americas summit in Miami. The outgoing administration of President Gabriel Boric condemned the visa restrictions as a violation of sovereignty.

The Trump administration is using these restrictions as part of a broader strategy to counter Chinese economic and infrastructure influence across Latin America. This effort includes opposing Chinese projects in Argentina and Peru, as well as attempting to seize power in Venezuela. The U.S. government aims to pressure regional partners to limit Chinese expansion in the Western Hemisphere.