At the beginning of this year, Young Chilean President Gabriel Boric shook the world public—the official Santiago wants to gain control over Antarctica, or at least one of its parts, marking the start of the race for every inch of the Planet.
The public worldwide was shocked last week when Donald Trump announced that he does not rule out taking military and economic measures for the United States to gain control over Greenland (part of Denmark), the Panama Canal in Panama, and at the same time advocated for turning neighboring Canada into a new U.S. state. Military and economic interests drive Trump.
In the case of Greenland, Washington would acquire natural gas, oil, and other resources while opening a new shipping route due to melting ice in the Arctic – the North Pole. Moreover, the island of Greenland is strategically vital in the event of a military conflict between the United States and Russia. If these two nuclear powers were to engage in war, most missiles would be launched over Greenland, as it is the shortest route to the opponent. Thus, control over Greenland is essential for American military plans.
Adding Canada, which has "angered" Trump by creating a massive trade deficit with its southern neighbor, further clarifies the objectives of the new U.S. administration.
In the case of Panama, it involves pushing China out of Central and Latin America and regaining control over a crucial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the two American coasts. By controlling the Panama Canal, Trump could reduce costs for American ships and goods, dominate shipping routes, and curb China's influence.
The Young President's Ambitions
All the above – and more – is at play in the race for Antarctica. Chile's young president Gabriel Boric, who has Croatian roots, is attempting to take a bigger bite than Trump because this involves a fight for an entire continent. This disparity grows when comparing the military and other strengths of Chile and the United States and considering that temperatures in some parts of Antarctica can drop to -70 degrees Celsius.
However, this remained largely overshadowed in the media by Trump's aforementioned announcements. Still, those aware of Antarctica's significance closely followed every move of a president who has repeatedly proven to be an autonomous political figure concerning Washington, Beijing, Moscow, and his Latin American neighbors. Boric has shown time and again that he is willing to take significant risks and possesses the perseverance often lacking in his counterparts and young politicians in general.
Proof of his determination lies in the fact that he is the first Latin American president to visit the South Pole. On January 2, Boric appeared in Antarctica as part of a trip called "Operation Polar Star III," which included visits to the Amundsen-Scott Station at the South Pole and Chilean research facilities. According to media reports, Boric was accompanied by a military and scientific delegation, as well as the ministers of defense and environmental protection, underscoring the significance and character of this visit.
To reach Antarctica, Boric reportedly flew in an American-made Hercules-130 aircraft to a Chilean military base on the continent. From there, the delegation traveled to an American base using two U.S. MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and two Canadian-made DHC-6 Twin Otter planes belonging to the Chilean military.
“This is a milestone for us. This is the first time a Chilean president has come to the South Pole and spoken about Chile’s mission in Antarctica,” Boric said in an address broadcast by Chilean television. “This is very relevant for Chile in terms of asserting sovereignty in Antarctica,” noting that Chile is “one of seven countries claiming sovereignty” in that region.
“Chile’s Antarctic policy is a long-term state policy, and in the turbulent times of international geopolitics, where the Antarctic Treaty will be revisited in the not-so-distant future, this is a milestone in maintaining Chile’s presence on Antarctica under the most extreme conditions, setting a critical and relevant precedent when discussing the future of the White Continent,” Boric added.
“There are those who suggest exploiting mineral resources in Antarctica, for example, or deregulating other industries. We in Chile, an Antarctic nation by vocation and excellence, say no. Antarctica is and will continue to be a continent of science and peace, and Chile has reaffirmed its sovereign right over its Antarctic territory,” the Chilean president emphasized.
Others Are Asking Questions Too
While Boric’s speech may seem like another textbook example of crisis management and an attempt to say little about what truly matters, the situation is different, and official Santiago is preparing for future developments on the fifth-largest continent.
The race began long ago, and only the existing Antarctic Treaty of 1961, which declared the region a scientific reserve and banned military activities, prevents escalation. Chile, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, and France claim sovereignty over parts of this continent, with some territorial claims overlapping. For instance, Chile, the UK, and Argentina claim the same portions of territory due to their proximity to sovereign territories near Antarctica. For the UK, this involves the Falkland Islands, which Argentina calls the Malvinas. Meanwhile, France cites 19th-century research by its scientists, while Australia, New Zealand, and Norway rely on 20th-century exploration.
All these territorial claims have limited recognition under international law, and the 1961 treaty, achieved during the Cold War, was signed by twelve countries. In addition to the mentioned nations, other signatories include Japan, Russia (then the USSR), South Africa, Belgium, and the United States. The treaty aimed to prevent the militarization of Antarctica and the use of its territory for military purposes. It also banned the exploitation of its resources, making the continent a site for scientific research crucial to understanding climate change, astronomy, physics, and more.
A glance at a map of territorial claims on Antarctica shows straight triangular lines with their apex at the South Pole and their base along the coastline.
The U.S., a signatory of the treaty, does not claim sovereignty. However, Washington has three bases in Antarctica and effectively controls much of the continent. Washington asserts its commitment to the 1961 treaty, emphasizing that the continent must remain a place of cooperation and scientific research as outlined by the agreement.
Every Agreement Has an End – And Then…
The 1961 treaty is up for review in 2048, as is the 1991 Protocol on Environmental Protection, which bans mining in Antarctica. Boric had this in mind when he stated that Chile would assert its sovereign rights over its claimed territories while simultaneously working to preserve existing agreements and treaties.
It is clear to Boric – as Trump confirmed in his statements days later – that global powers will seize any opportunity, especially when resources and military matters are at stake. Controlling the South Pole, or at least establishing a presence there, is an enticing idea. Considering the ongoing struggle for dominance around the North Pole, involving the United States, Russia, Norway, and other European nations, as well as China, it is evident that any lack of agreement on Antarctica will spark a new race among major powers. Coupled with advancing technology and presumed ice melting in the coming decades, Boric’s trip was far from a tourist visit.
Moreover, Boric is not the first world leader to visit the South Pole. In 2007, New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark made such a trip, followed four years later by Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg. Stoltenberg visited during the centennial of the mission led by Roald Amundsen, who, along with five Norwegian explorers, reached the South Pole on December 14, 1911.
Boric is concerned about what will happen to Antarctica not only after the agreement expires but even today. Of all the countries claiming this continent, Chile is geographically the closest.
Significant climate changes are already affecting Chile, particularly its fishing industry. Boric is especially troubled by China’s behavior, as the country is not a signatory to the treaty. For decades, Chinese fishing fleets have operated near Antarctica, effectively undermining the agreement. China’s modern fishing fleet, the largest in the region, processes fish onboard, making the distance from the Chinese coast irrelevant. The catch can be transported to consumers by other vessels while the fleet continues fishing. In recent years, China has expanded its fleet and shows no signs of stopping. Krill, a small crustacean essential for whales, penguins, seals, and other marine life, is a primary target of Chinese fishing. Chilean authorities are aware that continued krill fishing could disrupt the Antarctic and Chilean coastal ecosystems.
Chinese ships operate in the region year-round, essentially making Beijing’s presence felt on Antarctica. This positions China as a significant player when the 1961 treaty expires – but also today.
Reports indicate that Russia is also increasing its presence in this part of the world, raising concerns among its rivals. Russia is widely recognized as the best-prepared country for operating in freezing temperatures and icy seas. Western officials acknowledge that Russia has surpassed all others in its presence at the North Pole, building nuclear-powered icebreakers and adapting its troops and equipment to Arctic conditions. Should Russia decide to move toward the South Pole, it would become a formidable competitor.
In this context, it is worth noting that zones in Antarctica remain unclaimed. According to Boric, Chile is prepared to establish a presence in those areas as well. Until now, Chile has operated in the continent's northern part as part of its southernmost province, Magallanes, but now aims to expand its presence “to the Bellingshausen and Weddell seas,” according to a Chilean government statement following Boric’s visit. Boric stated he sees no reason why “Chile couldn’t, in the medium term, reach the South Pole and establish a permanent base there.”
However, Boric added that this requires a state policy and “long-term investments” to face off against major powers. Additionally, Chile and Argentina are rivals in Antarctica, which should especially concern Santiago now that the unpredictable Javier Milei governs Buenos Aires. Milei is willing to make concessions to those he considers Argentina’s friends and adversaries of the left and communism.
Boric has no choice. If Chile cannot establish itself as a decision-maker, it can at least attempt to curb the influence of major powers by invoking international regulations and advocating for their enforcement while they remain in effect. Otherwise, alongside all the ecological and climate consequences, Chile could face a conflict of major powers off its coasts, ultimately being drawn into the competition.
Boric understands that such an outcome is unnecessary for a country that has managed to avoid major international conflicts for decades while maintaining its regional relevance. The battle for Antarctica surpasses all his previous challenges and plans and will continue long after his tenure. Chile will therefore need a long-term strategy and broader societal consensus.
This article was originally published on the news portal PISJournal.net.
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