Chilean President Gabriel Boric arrived in Beijing on Monday, marking the start of a closely watched visit that analysts expect to focus on upgrading economic partnerships and cross-Pacific collaboration. The trip represents the first major diplomatic engagement between Chile and the Chinese mainland in 2024, following a year of record bilateral trade exceeding $70 billion.
Observers suggest Boric’s delegation will prioritize discussions on lithium exports – a critical component for electric vehicle batteries – as Chile supplies over 25% of the Chinese mainland’s lithium carbonate imports. The visit coincides with Beijing’s push for sustainable energy partnerships under its Belt and Road Initiative framework.
"This visit reinforces Chile’s strategic role in connecting Asian and Latin American markets," said Dr. Mei Lin, a Latin America studies scholar at Peking University. "Both sides have complementary interests in green technology and stabilizing supply chains."
Business leaders anticipate potential agreements on tariff reductions for Chilean agricultural products and streamlined customs processes. The trip also includes cultural exchange events, with a Chilean art exhibition scheduled at the National Museum this week.
For investors, the meetings may signal new opportunities in infrastructure projects and renewable energy technologies. Chilean officials have previously highlighted interest in Chinese mainland expertise for solar power development in the Atacama Desert region.
