Chile has denied authorisation for a Chinese hospital ship to provide medical services to local residents while docked off Valparaiso, citing national health regulations.
The decision comes as Chile faces increasing pressure from the United States over a proposed undersea cable project involving Chinese companies.
The vessel, named Silk Road Ark, arrived in waters off the Chilean port city of Valparaiso on Wednesday as part of an international voyage covering around a dozen countries.
Chile’s Ministry of Health, through its regional office, confirmed it reviewed a request submitted via the foreign ministry at the end of 2025. The request sought permission for the hospital ship to offer medical services onboard to Chilean residents.
After evaluation, authorities decided not to grant authorisation.
Officials stated that national health regulations allow medical services to be delivered only by professionals accredited in Chile.
Since the ship’s medical staff do not hold such accreditation under Chilean law, authorities determined that
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