This initiative seeks to decentralize knowledge and foster a critical dialogue on the relationship with China in various communities across Chile. The objective is to take academic discussion beyond the capital, connecting with local realities.
The project was structured around two main thematic areas: the history of the Chinese community in Chile, from its origins to the present day; and the contemporary phenomenon of "Chinese malls"analyzing their impact on the commercial and social dynamics of each territory.
To address these topics, participatory workshops and explanatory videos were designed. Created for social media, these videos cover topics like migration, Chile-China relations, and the Asian country's regional economic impact in an engaging way.
During 2025, ICLAC researchers, Patricia Palma and María Elvira Ríoswith the support of Amalia Rojas, held in-person workshops in the regions of Arica y Parinacota, Tarapacá, and Ñuble. These activities, conducted in educational spaces, brought together students, teachers, and the general public. Additionally, José Miguel Vidal led the online version of the workshop, which extended the initiative's reach to participants from across the country.
Through this project, we have generated spaces for evidence-based reflection to understand the local transformations driven by the Chinese presence. In this way, we contribute to an informed debate on a global phenomenon with deep roots in each community.