Wall Street opened with strong gains and the Chilean IPSA index surpassed the historic 7,900-point mark as investors responded positively to a more moderate tone from former President Donald Trump. Throughout the trading day on April 23, 2025, the IPSA continued to rise, closing above 7,900 points, reflecting renewed risk appetite among market participants. The rally in Chile's stock market contributed to a broader surge in global markets, with Santiago's exchange hitting record levels amid signals of reduced political confrontation from Trump. The Chilean stock market has extended its year-to-date gains to 26%, prompting some investors to consider shifting focus away from U.S. megacaps toward opportunities in Latin America. This trend aligns with growing optimism about the economic prospects of the region's three largest economies, signaling what some analysts refer to as a 'Golden Age' for Latin America.

Brazil's Vice President Geraldo Alckmin has emphasized the country's willingness to negotiate tariffs with the United States, highlighting the potential for increased commercial exchanges and economic complementarity. Alckmin stressed the importance of dialogue and deepening relations with both the U.S. and China amidst global trade tensions.

In parallel, Brazil and Chile are advancing their partnership, focusing on integration and social justice. Presidents Lula da Silva of Brazil and Gabriel Boric of Chile have signed 13 agreements to strengthen bilateral trade. A key initiative discussed is the Bioceanic Corridor, aimed at connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, enhancing South American connectivity and opening new trade routes globally.

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President Gabriel Boric of Chile has made several key appointments to prominent national institutions and corporate boards. Esteban Figueroa has been named the new director of the National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI). Additionally, Boric appointed three new directors to the state-owned copper mining company Codelco, including former minister Juan Carlos Moreno, Tamara Agnic, and Ricardo Calderón. In the private sector, Grupo Matte has proposed Patricio de Solminihac and a former president of the Finnish forestry company UPM to the board of Empresas CMPC. Mallplaza's board will see the addition of Enrique Ostalé and a grandson of Thomas Fürst, while Tomás Müller will step down. Shareholders of the Spanish renewable energy company Holaluz approved the appointment of Lotfi Bellahcene from Icosium and Enrique Palau Llopis to its board. Furthermore, government appointees Felipe Núñez, Federico Furiase, and Martín Vauthier are set to join the boards of Chile's Central Bank and the Bank of Foreign Investment and Commerce. These appointments reflect ongoing efforts by Boric's administration to influence both public and private sector governance.

Evelyn Matthei, the presidential candidate for Chile Vamos, confirmed she will run directly in the first round of the election, rejecting the option of holding primary elections within the coalition. Earlier reports indicated that Matthei had invited Checho Hirane to compete against her in the Chile Vamos primaries, an offer Hirane declined and later described as informal "hallway conversations." The invitation and subsequent revelations sparked criticism, including accusations of disloyalty from political figures such as Senator Ossandón. Meanwhile, Matthei has assembled a new campaign team with key figures including former deputy Diego Paulsen, who is expected to serve as her campaign chief. Additionally, in a separate political development, De Rementería (PS) assumed a Senate seat replacing Isabel Allende, commenting on the perceived injustice surrounding her departure.

Cristina Vilches, the former head of intelligence at the Chilean Investigative Police (PDI), was rehired as an advisor after being removed due to the Monsalve case. Her reappointment sparked controversy and prompted calls for explanations from government officials, including Minister Cordero, who demanded that PDI Director Cerna clarify the reasons behind the decision. Following the public scrutiny and political pressure, Vilches resigned from her advisory position shortly after her reinstatement.

Juan Carlos Cruz, a Chilean journalist and survivor of abuse within the Catholic Church, has publicly expressed his displeasure after being labeled as "El amigo gay del papa" (the gay friend of the Pope) on the Spanish television program "El Programa de Ana Rosa." Cruz, who has a close friendship with Pope Francis and has praised the pontiff's teachings, has been a significant influence on the Pope's evolving stance on homosexual unions. The label used by the Spanish TV show has sparked a wave of criticism and indignation. The controversy has drawn attention to the way media outlets refer to Cruz, who is recognized for his advocacy and personal connection to Pope Francis. The incident follows other public comments and opinions about Pope Francis by various Spanish media personalities and commentators.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric has appointed a high-level delegation to represent Chile at the funeral of Pope Francis. Boric will not attend the funeral personally. The government has detailed the composition of the delegation tasked with attending the event on behalf of Chile.

Johannes Kaiser, a right-wing presidential candidate in Chile, is gaining momentum in the polls with a platform advocating for radical libertarian economic reforms. His economic adviser, Victor Espinosa, has proposed policies comparable to those of Argentine President Javier Milei, emphasizing mass deregulation, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and significant government downsizing. Kaiser has pledged to urgently cut taxes and reduce the size of government if elected, aiming to transform Chile's economic landscape. These proposals mark a sharp turn from Chile's current neoliberal framework, which has faced criticism from intellectuals like Gabriel Salazar.

On April 20, 2025, a group of 12 armed and masked assailants launched a coordinated attack on the Rucalhue hydroelectric power plant under construction in southern Chile. The facility, owned by Rucalhue Energia Spa, a subsidiary of the Chinese company China Water & Power Overseas (CWE), suffered extensive damage as the attackers set fire to 51 vehicles, including trucks and construction equipment. The Chilean government condemned the attack and announced it would invoke the country's Anti-Terrorism Law in response to the incidents in Quilaco and Contulmo, where the hydroelectric plant is located. President Gabriel Boric publicly condemned the attack, and the Chinese embassy in Chile demanded enhanced security measures for its enterprises following the arson. The Chilean government also responded to China's concerns, affirming it would not tolerate violence that threatens foreign investments. Separately, there have been multiple violent incidents in Chile, including shootings in Santiago where two people were injured by a man on a scooter, and a deadly shooting in Colina resulting in two deaths and four injuries. In Colombia, several attacks targeted police and military personnel, including explosive attacks in Cauca, Nariño, and Antioquia regions, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. These incidents reflect a broader pattern of violence affecting security in the region.

The Chilean government has announced the advancement of a simplified permitting process for lithium development projects in three salt flats. This initiative includes both private companies and the state-owned copper mining company Codelco. Key private sector participants in these prioritized lithium projects are Eramet, Quiborax, Kairos, and Cosayach. The streamlined process aims to facilitate the development of lithium resources critical for energy and industrial applications. Separately, the Taca Taca copper project in Argentina's Salta province is gaining attention as a world-class mining initiative with the potential to revive the region's mining railway infrastructure.

A three-month-old infant dependent on oxygen was taken from Hospital El Carmen in Maipú by her biological mother, who had a restraining order prohibiting her from approaching the child. The baby was recovered by Carabineros police, and the mother was detained. Authorities have since clarified who is now responsible for the care of the infant. The child was found safe following the incident, and the mother remains in police custody.

Ricardo Lagos, former president of Chile, has officially endorsed Carolina Tohá's presidential candidacy. Tohá, representing the PPD and PL parties, has also gained support from a group of prominent economists despite trailing in polls. In a recent interview on CNN Chile's program Tolerancia Cero, Tohá criticized the rise of the far right in Chile, describing it as a "tsunami ultraconservador" and accusing rival Evelyn Matthei of enabling this movement. She differentiated her campaign from the current government led by President Boric, emphasizing her desire not to replicate its policies. Tohá also addressed various political issues, including crime reduction, the role of the military at the border, and her stance on international regimes, labeling Cuba and China as non-democratic. She expressed disagreement with Matthei’s views on the dictatorship and accused her of reverting to the right-wing UDI party legacy of Jaime Guzmán. Additionally, Tohá commented on the absence of Socialism Democratic participation in recent elections and criticized the party for being "acomplejado" and "silente" during the social unrest. The interview also featured critiques from political analysts Paula Escobar and Alfredo Joignant, who condemned the current political system's institutional decline and debated Matthei's controversial statements about the 1973 coup and its aftermath.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reissued a recall reminder for Gerber Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks after reports indicated the product was still being sold in stores and online nearly three months following the initial recall in January. The teething sticks pose a choking hazard. In addition to this, other child safety alerts have been issued internationally. Mexico's consumer protection agency, Profeco, has issued a safety alert for 37 models of infant car seats due to risks of injury to children. In Chile, the National Consumer Service (Sernac) has raised concerns about a Fisher Price baby toy linked to suffocation risks, with 57 units sold. The alerts include guidance on how consumers can request product recalls and refunds. Retailers such as Target have also acknowledged concerns related to baby product recalls. These developments highlight ongoing safety issues with certain baby products across multiple countries.

Heavy rains in western Venezuela have affected over 800 families across the states of Trujillo, Mérida, and Barinas. The Venezuelan government is actively providing assistance to communities impacted by the seasonal downpours. In Trujillo, more than 600 families in the municipalities of San Rafael de Carvajal, Valera, and Boconó have been particularly affected, prompting emergency responses. The rains have also damaged agricultural infrastructure in Boconó, notably the Villa Rosa road, which is vital for transporting vegetables and other produce from nearby farming areas such as Tostós and Niquitao. Meanwhile, in Chile, authorities have issued alerts for intense rainfall between the La Araucanía and Los Lagos regions. Pucón has been placed under a red alert due to heavy rains, with around 250 people isolated by river overflows and landslides that have cut off access for approximately 70 families. This comes as Chile marks the tenth anniversary of the Calbuco volcano eruption, with reports of new constructions in risk zones. Additionally, flooding in Donoso, Chile, has displaced about 50 families, with local officials requesting aid.

A series of earthquakes has been recorded in the Atacama Region of Chile, with the most recent and notable event being a magnitude 4.5 earthquake located approximately 105 to 112 kilometers east of Copiapó. This quake occurred at 01:54 local time on April 22, 2025, with the epicenter near Copiapó. Earlier seismic activity in the area included a sequence of tremors within 48 hours, with the strongest reaching a magnitude of 4.6. Authorities and seismic monitoring organizations continue to track the situation as the region experiences ongoing seismic events.

Fluminense is set to travel to Chile on April 21, 2025, to face Unión Española in the third round of the Copa Sudamericana group stage. The Brazilian club will be without its head coach Renato Gaúcho and several key starters, as the team prioritizes preparation for an upcoming local derby against Botafogo. Alexandre Mendes will take charge of the squad for the match against Unión Española. The decision to field a reserve lineup reflects Fluminense's strategic focus on domestic competition while maintaining participation in the continental tournament.

Arturo Vidal, the Chilean footballer, has issued confident and provocative statements ahead of Colo-Colo's Copa Libertadores match against Racing Club. Speaking on his Kick channel, Vidal declared that fans will witness the "true Colo-Colo" during the upcoming game and promised to score his favorite goal, which he anticipates will be the best of his career. His remarks have stirred reactions in Argentina, where Racing supporters view them as motivational fuel. Meanwhile, Racing fans have expressed hope that their top forward, regarded as the best striker in South America, will have an opportunity to represent the Argentina national team. Vidal also dedicated his performance to those who will be absent from the Colo-Colo squad, emphasizing the team's commitment to giving their all in the match.

Colo Colo, the Chilean football club, celebrated its 100th anniversary with nationwide festivities, including fireworks and tributes from rival teams such as Universidad de Chile and Universidad Católica, as well as football figures like Jorge Valdivia and Barticciotto. The club unveiled a model of its new Estadio Monumental, inspired by Mapuche culture and international standards, with a planned capacity of 60,000 spectators and an expected completion timeline of three to four years. A statue honoring club icon Arellano was also inaugurated at the stadium. Concurrently, the celebrations were marred by violent incidents, including clashes between Colo Colo and Universidad de Chile supporters that resulted in one death and six injuries. In La Serena, authorities confirmed the discovery of dismembered human remains identified as Ana María Pizarro, a woman who had been missing earlier in the month. Meanwhile, in the Biobío region, a terrorist arson attack targeted the Rucalhue hydroelectric plant, destroying 51 vehicles. The Chilean government, led by President Gabriel Boric and Security Minister Luis Cordero, condemned the attack and announced the invocation of the country's anti-terrorism law to prosecute those responsible. The government also plans to file legal actions related to other recent arson attacks in Quilaco and Contulmo. The incident has raised concerns among Chinese investors, given the plant's Chinese ownership, prompting calls for enhanced security measures. The attack has impacted business confidence in Chile's energy sector.

The Chinese embassy in Santiago has accused the United States of escalating interference by attempting to restrict China's access to mineral resources in Chile and pressuring the Chilean government to curtail space cooperation with China. This diplomatic tension follows Chile's decision to temporarily freeze a Chinese astronomical observatory project in Antofagasta, citing concerns over potential dual-use applications. The Chilean government is currently reviewing the scope of the agreement related to the project. The U.S. opposition to the observatory reflects broader efforts to limit Beijing's influence in the minerals-rich Latin American country. Chinese officials have publicly rejected the freezing of the project, characterizing the U.S. actions as hegemonic and interference in bilateral relations.

The Chinese embassy in Chile has accused the United States of interfering in its relations with the Latin American country, claiming that the U.S. is seeking to restrict Beijing's access to resources in the minerals-rich nation and pressuring Chile to curtail space cooperation with China. This comes as the U.S. ambassador nominee to Chile, Brandon Judd, expressed concerns about China's growing presence in the region during a Senate hearing, noting that 71% of lithium mined in Chile went to China last year and that about 40% of Chile's exports go to China.

Read more

Wall Street opened with strong gains and the Chilean IPSA index surpassed the historic 7,900-point mark as investors responded positively to a more moderate tone from former President Donald Trump. Throughout the trading day on April 23, 2025, the IPSA continued to rise, closing above 7,900 points, reflecting renewed risk appetite among market participants. The rally in Chile's stock market contributed to a broader surge in global markets, with Santiago's exchange hitting record levels amid signals of reduced political confrontation from Trump. The Chilean stock market has extended its year-to-date gains to 26%, prompting some investors to consider shifting focus away from U.S. megacaps toward opportunities in Latin America. This trend aligns with growing optimism about the economic prospects of the region's three largest economies, signaling what some analysts refer to as a 'Golden Age' for Latin America.

Brazil's Vice President Geraldo Alckmin has emphasized the country's willingness to negotiate tariffs with the United States, highlighting the potential for increased commercial exchanges and economic complementarity. Alckmin stressed the importance of dialogue and deepening relations with both the U.S. and China amidst global trade tensions.

In parallel, Brazil and Chile are advancing their partnership, focusing on integration and social justice. Presidents Lula da Silva of Brazil and Gabriel Boric of Chile have signed 13 agreements to strengthen bilateral trade. A key initiative discussed is the Bioceanic Corridor, aimed at connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, enhancing South American connectivity and opening new trade routes globally.

Read more

President Gabriel Boric of Chile has made several key appointments to prominent national institutions and corporate boards. Esteban Figueroa has been named the new director of the National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI). Additionally, Boric appointed three new directors to the state-owned copper mining company Codelco, including former minister Juan Carlos Moreno, Tamara Agnic, and Ricardo Calderón. In the private sector, Grupo Matte has proposed Patricio de Solminihac and a former president of the Finnish forestry company UPM to the board of Empresas CMPC. Mallplaza's board will see the addition of Enrique Ostalé and a grandson of Thomas Fürst, while Tomás Müller will step down. Shareholders of the Spanish renewable energy company Holaluz approved the appointment of Lotfi Bellahcene from Icosium and Enrique Palau Llopis to its board. Furthermore, government appointees Felipe Núñez, Federico Furiase, and Martín Vauthier are set to join the boards of Chile's Central Bank and the Bank of Foreign Investment and Commerce. These appointments reflect ongoing efforts by Boric's administration to influence both public and private sector governance.

Evelyn Matthei, the presidential candidate for Chile Vamos, confirmed she will run directly in the first round of the election, rejecting the option of holding primary elections within the coalition. Earlier reports indicated that Matthei had invited Checho Hirane to compete against her in the Chile Vamos primaries, an offer Hirane declined and later described as informal "hallway conversations." The invitation and subsequent revelations sparked criticism, including accusations of disloyalty from political figures such as Senator Ossandón. Meanwhile, Matthei has assembled a new campaign team with key figures including former deputy Diego Paulsen, who is expected to serve as her campaign chief. Additionally, in a separate political development, De Rementería (PS) assumed a Senate seat replacing Isabel Allende, commenting on the perceived injustice surrounding her departure.

Cristina Vilches, the former head of intelligence at the Chilean Investigative Police (PDI), was rehired as an advisor after being removed due to the Monsalve case. Her reappointment sparked controversy and prompted calls for explanations from government officials, including Minister Cordero, who demanded that PDI Director Cerna clarify the reasons behind the decision. Following the public scrutiny and political pressure, Vilches resigned from her advisory position shortly after her reinstatement.

Juan Carlos Cruz, a Chilean journalist and survivor of abuse within the Catholic Church, has publicly expressed his displeasure after being labeled as "El amigo gay del papa" (the gay friend of the Pope) on the Spanish television program "El Programa de Ana Rosa." Cruz, who has a close friendship with Pope Francis and has praised the pontiff's teachings, has been a significant influence on the Pope's evolving stance on homosexual unions. The label used by the Spanish TV show has sparked a wave of criticism and indignation. The controversy has drawn attention to the way media outlets refer to Cruz, who is recognized for his advocacy and personal connection to Pope Francis. The incident follows other public comments and opinions about Pope Francis by various Spanish media personalities and commentators.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric has appointed a high-level delegation to represent Chile at the funeral of Pope Francis. Boric will not attend the funeral personally. The government has detailed the composition of the delegation tasked with attending the event on behalf of Chile.

Johannes Kaiser, a right-wing presidential candidate in Chile, is gaining momentum in the polls with a platform advocating for radical libertarian economic reforms. His economic adviser, Victor Espinosa, has proposed policies comparable to those of Argentine President Javier Milei, emphasizing mass deregulation, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and significant government downsizing. Kaiser has pledged to urgently cut taxes and reduce the size of government if elected, aiming to transform Chile's economic landscape. These proposals mark a sharp turn from Chile's current neoliberal framework, which has faced criticism from intellectuals like Gabriel Salazar.

On April 20, 2025, a group of 12 armed and masked assailants launched a coordinated attack on the Rucalhue hydroelectric power plant under construction in southern Chile. The facility, owned by Rucalhue Energia Spa, a subsidiary of the Chinese company China Water & Power Overseas (CWE), suffered extensive damage as the attackers set fire to 51 vehicles, including trucks and construction equipment. The Chilean government condemned the attack and announced it would invoke the country's Anti-Terrorism Law in response to the incidents in Quilaco and Contulmo, where the hydroelectric plant is located. President Gabriel Boric publicly condemned the attack, and the Chinese embassy in Chile demanded enhanced security measures for its enterprises following the arson. The Chilean government also responded to China's concerns, affirming it would not tolerate violence that threatens foreign investments. Separately, there have been multiple violent incidents in Chile, including shootings in Santiago where two people were injured by a man on a scooter, and a deadly shooting in Colina resulting in two deaths and four injuries. In Colombia, several attacks targeted police and military personnel, including explosive attacks in Cauca, Nariño, and Antioquia regions, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. These incidents reflect a broader pattern of violence affecting security in the region.

The Chilean government has announced the advancement of a simplified permitting process for lithium development projects in three salt flats. This initiative includes both private companies and the state-owned copper mining company Codelco. Key private sector participants in these prioritized lithium projects are Eramet, Quiborax, Kairos, and Cosayach. The streamlined process aims to facilitate the development of lithium resources critical for energy and industrial applications. Separately, the Taca Taca copper project in Argentina's Salta province is gaining attention as a world-class mining initiative with the potential to revive the region's mining railway infrastructure.

A three-month-old infant dependent on oxygen was taken from Hospital El Carmen in Maipú by her biological mother, who had a restraining order prohibiting her from approaching the child. The baby was recovered by Carabineros police, and the mother was detained. Authorities have since clarified who is now responsible for the care of the infant. The child was found safe following the incident, and the mother remains in police custody.

Ricardo Lagos, former president of Chile, has officially endorsed Carolina Tohá's presidential candidacy. Tohá, representing the PPD and PL parties, has also gained support from a group of prominent economists despite trailing in polls. In a recent interview on CNN Chile's program Tolerancia Cero, Tohá criticized the rise of the far right in Chile, describing it as a "tsunami ultraconservador" and accusing rival Evelyn Matthei of enabling this movement. She differentiated her campaign from the current government led by President Boric, emphasizing her desire not to replicate its policies. Tohá also addressed various political issues, including crime reduction, the role of the military at the border, and her stance on international regimes, labeling Cuba and China as non-democratic. She expressed disagreement with Matthei’s views on the dictatorship and accused her of reverting to the right-wing UDI party legacy of Jaime Guzmán. Additionally, Tohá commented on the absence of Socialism Democratic participation in recent elections and criticized the party for being "acomplejado" and "silente" during the social unrest. The interview also featured critiques from political analysts Paula Escobar and Alfredo Joignant, who condemned the current political system's institutional decline and debated Matthei's controversial statements about the 1973 coup and its aftermath.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reissued a recall reminder for Gerber Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks after reports indicated the product was still being sold in stores and online nearly three months following the initial recall in January. The teething sticks pose a choking hazard. In addition to this, other child safety alerts have been issued internationally. Mexico's consumer protection agency, Profeco, has issued a safety alert for 37 models of infant car seats due to risks of injury to children. In Chile, the National Consumer Service (Sernac) has raised concerns about a Fisher Price baby toy linked to suffocation risks, with 57 units sold. The alerts include guidance on how consumers can request product recalls and refunds. Retailers such as Target have also acknowledged concerns related to baby product recalls. These developments highlight ongoing safety issues with certain baby products across multiple countries.

Heavy rains in western Venezuela have affected over 800 families across the states of Trujillo, Mérida, and Barinas. The Venezuelan government is actively providing assistance to communities impacted by the seasonal downpours. In Trujillo, more than 600 families in the municipalities of San Rafael de Carvajal, Valera, and Boconó have been particularly affected, prompting emergency responses. The rains have also damaged agricultural infrastructure in Boconó, notably the Villa Rosa road, which is vital for transporting vegetables and other produce from nearby farming areas such as Tostós and Niquitao. Meanwhile, in Chile, authorities have issued alerts for intense rainfall between the La Araucanía and Los Lagos regions. Pucón has been placed under a red alert due to heavy rains, with around 250 people isolated by river overflows and landslides that have cut off access for approximately 70 families. This comes as Chile marks the tenth anniversary of the Calbuco volcano eruption, with reports of new constructions in risk zones. Additionally, flooding in Donoso, Chile, has displaced about 50 families, with local officials requesting aid.

A series of earthquakes has been recorded in the Atacama Region of Chile, with the most recent and notable event being a magnitude 4.5 earthquake located approximately 105 to 112 kilometers east of Copiapó. This quake occurred at 01:54 local time on April 22, 2025, with the epicenter near Copiapó. Earlier seismic activity in the area included a sequence of tremors within 48 hours, with the strongest reaching a magnitude of 4.6. Authorities and seismic monitoring organizations continue to track the situation as the region experiences ongoing seismic events.

Fluminense is set to travel to Chile on April 21, 2025, to face Unión Española in the third round of the Copa Sudamericana group stage. The Brazilian club will be without its head coach Renato Gaúcho and several key starters, as the team prioritizes preparation for an upcoming local derby against Botafogo. Alexandre Mendes will take charge of the squad for the match against Unión Española. The decision to field a reserve lineup reflects Fluminense's strategic focus on domestic competition while maintaining participation in the continental tournament.

Arturo Vidal, the Chilean footballer, has issued confident and provocative statements ahead of Colo-Colo's Copa Libertadores match against Racing Club. Speaking on his Kick channel, Vidal declared that fans will witness the "true Colo-Colo" during the upcoming game and promised to score his favorite goal, which he anticipates will be the best of his career. His remarks have stirred reactions in Argentina, where Racing supporters view them as motivational fuel. Meanwhile, Racing fans have expressed hope that their top forward, regarded as the best striker in South America, will have an opportunity to represent the Argentina national team. Vidal also dedicated his performance to those who will be absent from the Colo-Colo squad, emphasizing the team's commitment to giving their all in the match.

Colo Colo, the Chilean football club, celebrated its 100th anniversary with nationwide festivities, including fireworks and tributes from rival teams such as Universidad de Chile and Universidad Católica, as well as football figures like Jorge Valdivia and Barticciotto. The club unveiled a model of its new Estadio Monumental, inspired by Mapuche culture and international standards, with a planned capacity of 60,000 spectators and an expected completion timeline of three to four years. A statue honoring club icon Arellano was also inaugurated at the stadium. Concurrently, the celebrations were marred by violent incidents, including clashes between Colo Colo and Universidad de Chile supporters that resulted in one death and six injuries. In La Serena, authorities confirmed the discovery of dismembered human remains identified as Ana María Pizarro, a woman who had been missing earlier in the month. Meanwhile, in the Biobío region, a terrorist arson attack targeted the Rucalhue hydroelectric plant, destroying 51 vehicles. The Chilean government, led by President Gabriel Boric and Security Minister Luis Cordero, condemned the attack and announced the invocation of the country's anti-terrorism law to prosecute those responsible. The government also plans to file legal actions related to other recent arson attacks in Quilaco and Contulmo. The incident has raised concerns among Chinese investors, given the plant's Chinese ownership, prompting calls for enhanced security measures. The attack has impacted business confidence in Chile's energy sector.

The Chinese embassy in Santiago has accused the United States of escalating interference by attempting to restrict China's access to mineral resources in Chile and pressuring the Chilean government to curtail space cooperation with China. This diplomatic tension follows Chile's decision to temporarily freeze a Chinese astronomical observatory project in Antofagasta, citing concerns over potential dual-use applications. The Chilean government is currently reviewing the scope of the agreement related to the project. The U.S. opposition to the observatory reflects broader efforts to limit Beijing's influence in the minerals-rich Latin American country. Chinese officials have publicly rejected the freezing of the project, characterizing the U.S. actions as hegemonic and interference in bilateral relations.

The Chinese embassy in Chile has accused the United States of interfering in its relations with the Latin American country, claiming that the U.S. is seeking to restrict Beijing's access to resources in the minerals-rich nation and pressuring Chile to curtail space cooperation with China. This comes as the U.S. ambassador nominee to Chile, Brandon Judd, expressed concerns about China's growing presence in the region during a Senate hearing, noting that 71% of lithium mined in Chile went to China last year and that about 40% of Chile's exports go to China.

Read more