José Antonio Kast Takes Office Amid Chile's Economic Upswing

Middle Eastern outlets focus on Kast taking power during an economic upswing while global markets are unsettled, framing the minerals deal as both an opportunity and a risk. They highlight that closer ties to Washington may expose Chile more directly to US-China rivalry over resources and to swings in commodity prices. They also stress concerns that a far-right government with roots in the Pinochet era could adopt tougher security policies that strain civil liberties.

• •Kast assumes office with Chile’s economy growing, but at a time when global financial markets are rattled by external shocks.
• •The critical minerals agreement with Washington is expected to draw Chile deeper into competition between the United States and China over resource access.
• •Closer US-Chile cooperation on lithium and rare earths could increase Chile’s exposure to commodity price volatility.
• •Kast’s far-right background and links to the Pinochet period raise fears of harsher policing and limits on protest.
• •Regional coverage suggests that Chile’s political shift may influence how other Latin American countries position themselves between Washington and Beijing.