The recent visit of a British delegation from the Malvina Islands to Chile has highlighted a growing, pragmatic rapprochement between the colony and its neighboring country, despite the historic support of successive Chilean governments for Argentina's claim to sovereignty over the archipelago.
The delegation, led by the Malvina Islands Development Corporation (FIDC) , focused on exploring new trade and business opportunities, particularly in the Magallanes region, which is being strengthened by the ongoing migration of Chileans to the British colony .
The strategic point is Punta Arenas
The visit to Punta Arenas was no coincidence . The Magellan capital is positioned as a key point for British interests in the Malvinas. Local officials and businesspeople, including Mayor Claudio Radonich , have shown great interest in reactivating commercial ties with the islands, clearly demonstrating the direction of solidarity with Argentina regarding its sovereign claim to the islands.
Through this, Great Britain is recovering and opening new logistical channels and economic opportunities, through the exchange of products and participation in joint projects such as the green hydrogen fair. And, on a much larger scale, Antarctic development.
This collaboration exposes the contradiction in Chile's foreign policy . While Chile supports Argentina's claim to sovereignty in international forums, such as the United Nations Decolonization Committee, the concrete actions of its business and political sectors in the center and south of the country demonstrate a different reality . The existence of a weekly LATAM flight connecting both the mainland and the islands, and the presence of a sizable Chilean community in the archipelago, strengthen ties and facilitate the consolidation of British control .
The dilemma of the future
This development represents a stumbling block for the unified stance of the region's countries in support of Argentina. The visit of the IFCD delegation to Chile and the agreements where economic pragmatism could prevail over diplomatic considerations and regional solidarity. Javier Milei's libertarian regime is doing the most important thing: enabling all the legal elements to consolidate and expand colonial interests.