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Chinese Embassy says attack on hydroelectric plant "undermines" its companies' trust in Chile

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The Chinese Embassy condemned and demanded that the government conduct "a thorough investigation and implement effective and concrete measures to guarantee the safety of both personnel and projects of Chinese companies in Chile," following an arson attack on a hydroelectric plant in the Biobío Region owned by Rucalhue Energía SpA, a subsidiary of the conglomerate China International Water & Electric Corp CWE.

The attack occurred around 2 a.m. when a group of 12 armed and hooded individuals, according to the Investigative Police, entered the project site at kilometer 46 of Route Q-61 R in the commune of Santa Bárbara, Biobío Region. The project involves a total investment of US$ 350 million.

At the site, they threatened and tied up security guards before burning 47 trucks, another fuel container vehicle, two excavators, and a motor grader, according to the company's report. Later, the attackers fled, scattering "miguelitos" (caltrops) and cutting down trees to obstruct pursuit.

For industry groups like the Multigremial de La Araucanía, in material terms, this was "the most violent and destructive attack in the last 30 years. It even surpasses the 2022 Los Álamos attack, where 35 vehicles were destroyed."

Beijing’s diplomatic mission described the events as "violent acts that have injured project employees, caused severe infrastructure damage, and significant economic losses, seriously undermining the confidence of Chinese companies in local security and the business environment, dampening their enthusiasm to invest in the region."

"Chinese investments have actively contributed to economic prosperity, local job creation, and have always prioritized corporate social responsibility: protecting the environment, promoting philanthropic initiatives like scholarships for vulnerable students—actions widely recognized by the public," stated the embassy in a communiqué sent in response to inquiries by *El Mercurio* about the incident.

"This embassy calls on all sectors of Chile to work together to foster a favorable climate that safeguards such an important and mutually beneficial relationship," it added.

Company demands that the acts "do not go unpunished"

General Renzo Miccono, head of the Carabineros in Biobío, said the Santa Bárbara police station was alerted around 2:30 a.m. yesterday. Upon arriving at the scene, they interviewed four guards, two of whom reportedly suffered minor injuries. "They stated that unknown individuals, armed with firearms, threatened them and proceeded to set the machinery on fire," Miccono said.

Rucalhue Energía SpA, in a public statement, accused a "terrorist attack," demanded that such acts "not go unpunished," and stated that "these events not only represent an attack on infrastructure but also on workers, neighboring communities, and the rule of law." They added, "Material damages are significant, and a full assessment of losses is underway. We will file the respective legal complaints and actively collaborate with police and judicial authorities to clarify the facts, identify those responsible, and reinforce security measures."

Yesterday, the company still had no estimate of losses or clarity on insurance coverage but noted that, on average, each truck...

Government Lawsuit

On X, President Gabriel Boric condemned the attack and assured that "as we have done in other cases, we will pursue and find those responsible, who must answer to justice." "We will continue working without retreat to eradicate all forms of violence," he stated.

For the first time, the government explicitly announced it will apply the revised Anti-Terrorism Law enacted last February 4, which criminalizes terrorist association, penalizes individual cases, creates the offense of aiding terrorist associations, and includes special investigative techniques.

Public Security Minister Luis Cordero clarified that it will also apply to the April 7 attack in Contulmo, Arauco Province, where cabins and a warehouse were burned. There, a banner from the Mapuche Lafkenche Resistance group was also found.

"The government will file a lawsuit under the Anti-Terrorism Law, considering these to be terrorist organizations that must be treated as such," he said in an interview on *Mesa Central* on Channel 13.

Source:*El Mercurio*