Chile joins US-led Shield of the Americas, raising critical minerals supply chain concerns

Chile has joined the US-led Shield of the Americas initiative, nominally focused on counter-narcotics but including provisions on safeguarding critical minerals supply chains. The move signals potential alignment with US strategic interests in securing critical minerals, which could have implications for China's access to Chilean lithium and copper. The full scope and obligations of the initiative remain unclear, and the inclusion of critical minerals may be a significant but understated element.