What Happened During Attack On Chinese-Owned Chilean Hydroelectric Site

Red flags with yellow stars on flagpoles.

In a chilling episode of violence, armed assailants launched a destructive attack on the Chinese-owned Rucalhue hydroelectric construction site in Chile, thrusting it into the spotlight as terrorism concerns mount.

Key Takeaways

Gunmen attacked a Chinese-owned hydroelectric plant in Chile, setting fire to trucks and equipment.
The plant, Rucalhue, is under construction by China International Water and Electric Corporation.
Authorities classified the attack as a terrorist act, raising security concerns.
The Chinese government denounced the violence and is collaborating with Chile for project safety.
Indigenous opposition remains strong due to environmental impact concerns.

A Violent Stand-Off

Gunmen targeted the Rucalhue hydroelectric project along the Biobio River in Chile, causing extensive damage by setting fire to 45 trucks and heavy equipment. Rucalhue Energia Spa, a subsidiary of China International Water and Electric Corporation, is constructing the $350 million plant. Indigenous people fiercely oppose the project, objecting to its potential environmental disruptions.

The attack injured two security guards guarding the site, located 550 kilometers south of Santiago, evidencing the volatility surrounding the plant’s establishment. According to police chief Renzo Miccono, perpetrators “proceeded to burn all the equipment there was at the site.”

Classified as Terrorism

Chilean Security Minister Luis Cordero described the attack as being “of a terrorist nature.” Such classification highlights the significant security challenges and the broader socio-political context influencing the project, pushing security issues to the forefront. The assailants showed no hesitation, threatening guards before executing the coordinated destruction. Then, according to police chief Renzo Miccono, the attackers “proceeded to burn all the equipment there was at the site.”

China’s foreign ministry has condemned the violence and stated their intention to coordinate with Chilean officials, understanding the gravity of securing the project’s future. Spokesman Guo Jiakun emphasized, “The Chinese side is willing to closely work with the Chilean side to carry out relevant investigations and follow-up actions.”

Legal and Environmental Resistance

Further complicating the issue, Rucalhue Energia Spa filed a lawsuit against local youth opposing the hydroelectric project, illustrating the escalating legal battles surrounding the endeavor. This lawsuit follows an earlier legal confrontation post-eviction of protest camps set up by the Biobio River.

“The Chinese side… is willing to closely work with the Chilean side to carry out relevant investigations and follow-up actions,” said spokesman Guo Jiakun.

This legal backlash represents a broader criminalization of opposing voices, with crimes of threats and damages stemming from local environmental and social concerns. Rucalhue is assessing damages and legal ramifications as development amidst strong Indigenous resistance places it at the crux of international and local scrutiny.