Heine Discusses U.S. Visa Sanctions Over Chile–China Undersea Cable Proposal

Heine explained that U.S. companies currently hold a de facto monopoly over Chile’s international fiber‑optic connectivity, as all of Chile’s internet traffic to Asia must first pass through the United States. Washington’s move to sanction Chilean officials, even before the project received final approval, reflects what Heine described as American efforts to maintain this dominance, framed publicly as security concerns.

The proposed $500 million project, connecting Valparaíso to Hong Kong through China Mobile, would give Chile its first direct digital link to Asia, a region that receives 60% of Chilean exports. With China alone accounting for 40% of Chile’s export market, Heine argued that a diversified and modern cable network is essential for Chile’s economic competitiveness in the digital age.

Heine emphasized the broader implications of the U.S. action, calling it “new ground”, with sanctions issued not for implemented policies but for merely considering them. He noted that visa cancellations carry significant deterrent power in Latin America given extensive social and economic ties to the United States. However, he warned that applying such measures risks generating “backlash and resentment” among political elites who have traditionally been friendly to Washington.

The full interview can be read here.

A former research professor at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, Jorge Heine is a diplomat, international relations scholar, and lawyer. He is currently a non-resident fellow at the Quincy Institute. He has served as an ambassador of Chile to China, India, and South Africa. Heine has written over fifteen books, including The Non-Aligned World: Striking Out in an Era of Great Power Competition (2025), which provides insights on how the Global South can navigate the changing diplomatic landscape amid the U.S.-China rivalry.