In an unexpected turn of events in Chilean politics, outgoing President Gabriel Boric and his successor José Antonio Kast held a brief yet contentious meeting in La Moneda just days before the official transfer of power. During the 22-minute discussion, Kast, who is set to assume the presidency on March 11, requested Boric to retract his statement about having informed him regarding the controversial Chinese submarine cable project, which has strained relations between Chile and the United States. Boric's refusal to back down, asserting that Kast had indeed been informed, led to a breakdown in communication between the two political leaders.

The crux of the disagreement lies in the handling of information related to the Chinese submarine cable project, which has significant geopolitical implications for Chile's foreign relations. The project has raised alarms in Washington, leading to increased scrutiny and tension over Chile's partnerships with foreign entities. With only days until the change of command, this discord emphasizes the lingering divisions between Boric's left-leaning government and Kast’s right-wing Republican party, showcasing the broader ideological rift that exists in Chilean politics.

As a result of this fallout, planned bilateral meetings between various ministers were also canceled, suggesting a potential disruption in the transition process and raising concerns about the future direction of Chilean governance. The abrupt ending of the meeting illustrates the challenges that Kast will face as he prepares to step into the role of president, particularly in navigating the complex dynamics of Chile's current political landscape and managing the aftermath of this public disagreement with his predecessor.