Chilean officials criticize Trump administration's regional trade and security policies

Former Chilean Foreign Minister Mariano Fernández has criticized the Trump administration's foreign policy toward Chile and Latin America, describing the United States as an increasingly unreliable partner. Fernández specifically addressed the inclusion of Chile on a list of nations allegedly facilitating the entry of Chinese goods into the U.S. market to evade tariffs. He also challenged the announcement of a 12.5 percent tariff on Chilean products, noting that such measures contradict existing Free Trade Agreements.

The critique highlights a shift in U.S. policy that moves away from a rules-based international order toward a strategy of using tariffs as pressure instruments. Analysts suggest this approach seeks to treat Latin America as an exclusive sphere of influence to displace Chinese presence in strategic infrastructure, minerals, and technology.

Fernández emphasized that Chile must maintain its sovereignty and autonomy amidst the silent trade war between the United States and China, rejecting pressures to increase military spending for regional security issues like narcotics and terrorism. He argued that Chile should adhere to international law and established trade treaties rather than choosing sides in the growing superpower rivalry.