Chilean president makes historic trip to south pole amid Antarctica sovereignty claim
GuardianDEC 23 2024
Chile's Pres. Gabriel Boric Visits South Pole
Above: Chilean President Gabriel Boric delivers a speech during the inaugural Antarctic mission of the icebreaker Almirante Vial. Image copyright: Cristobal Basaure Araya/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Antarctica isn't a country; the continent is a scientific haven, a land of undiscovered resources beneath the ice, devoid of government or indigenous populations. Under the 1961 Antarctic Treaty, all sovereignty claims over the territory, including Chile's, are suspended. Boric's visit to the land of cooperation—with scientific bases of several nationalities—raises questions about the intentions behind it.
Narrative B
The South American country is working intensively on promoting science and research and uniting diplomats and the armed forces to ensure that it becomes the world's gateway to the Antarctic. Boric's visit is part of Operation Pole Star III, which aims to extend environmental protection and monitoring of natural and anthropogenic pollutants in the region and underscores the nation's scientific commitment to the continent.