The Chinese Embassy in Chile issued a strong statement denying reports that the companies BYD and Tsingshan had abandoned their lithium projects in the country.
“After verifying with the two companies, it turns out that neither has expressed an end to their investments in Chile and both remain open to continuing dialogue with relevant Chilean authorities,” the embassy stated.
According to the diplomatic mission, China remains deeply interested in becoming a significant player in Chile’s lithium industry. “Numerous Chinese companies are willing to participate in the ‘National Lithium Strategy of Chile,’” the statement read.
China expressed its intention to help establish joint lithium industrial parks, focusing on extraction, processing, and value chain integration through industrial clusters. This includes enhancing joint research, technology transfer, and human capital development—aimed at achieving greater mutual benefit.
In its message, the embassy also praised the strategic and friendly relations between China and Chile, highlighting principles of mutual respect, equality, and win-win cooperation.
“Our economies are highly complementary, with strong foundations for collaboration in green economy and energy transition,” the embassy emphasized.
Regarding Chile’s investment climate, the embassy described it as a “mature and stable market with a solid legal framework and an open, inclusive policy environment.”
Chinese companies, it added, continue to see Chile as a promising destination for long-term investments and market opportunities.
The embassy concluded by reaffirming its commitment to support Chinese firms investing in Chile and to promote a broader, higher-standard, and more sustainable bilateral economic partnership.
“We trust that Chile, as always, will welcome investments from companies of all countries, including China, offering a fair, open, and non-discriminatory business environment,” it stated.