Chile Rejects Argentine Claims on Strait of Magellan Sovereignty

Chile's government has firmly rejected claims suggesting Argentina holds rights over the Strait of Magellan, with Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna insisting on Chile's indisputable national sovereignty. The assertion comes after remarks by Argentine Air Force Chief of Staff Gustavo Javier Valverde, who suggested that "Magallanes, the south, the Drake, all of that is sovereignty." Valverde emphasized the need for presence in the area, calling it a "bi-oceanic key" connecting the Atlantic and Pacific.

Chilean Senator Iván Moreira strongly criticized Valverde's statements, labeling them "extremely serious" and demanding clarification. Moreira stressed on his X account that "Chile's sovereignty is not subject to interpretations or circumstantial declarations." He highlighted that Chilean sovereignty is underpinned by international treaties, implying that any challenge to it is baseless and unacceptable.

The controversy highlights ongoing sensitivities surrounding territorial claims and maritime passages in South America. Chile has historically asserted its full sovereignty over the Strait of Magellan, a vital waterway for international navigation. The government's swift and firm response underscores its commitment to defending its territorial integrity against any perceived encroachment or ambiguous claims.