Chile distances itself from U.S. military demands, stating 'We are not the backyard of any country'

Chile's Defense Minister Fernando Barros has asserted the nation's independent stance, distancing the country from demands made by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Hegseth had urged Latin American nations to increase military spending, join joint operations against drug trafficking, and withdraw from the International Criminal Court as part of the "Americas Shield" alliance.

Barros clarified that the recent meeting attended by Chilean officials had an operational focus. "This meeting is not about geopolitical aspects, nor financing or defense investment; it is a work plan, cooperation, and exchange of efforts between countries to work on this," Barros stated, as reported by 24 Horas. This statement directly counters the broader geopolitical and financial demands presented by the U.S.

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In this meeting is not the topic nor the geopolitical aspects, nor the financing or investment in defense; it is a work plan, of cooperation and exchange of efforts between the countries to work on this.

Chile will assess its continued participation in the initiative, originally championed by then-President Donald Trump, in November. Barros's remarks underscore a desire for autonomy in foreign policy and defense matters, signaling that Chile will not automatically align with U.S. directives, particularly those perceived as imposing or overreaching. The minister's emphasis on operational cooperation suggests a willingness to engage in specific, mutually agreed-upon projects rather than broad, unconditional commitments.

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We are not the backyard of any country.