Abstract

This article analyses present-day Chinese business associations in Chile in terms of their different territorial origins and types of membership, how leadership is created, and how the associations relate to the Chinese and Chilean states and their respective societies. We propose that (1) new forms of cohesion are putting tension on traditional connections between territorial relationships and areas of origin; (2) monetary and symbolic debts connect individuals and institutions, creating and legitimising leaders; and (3) Chinese business associations in Chile develop mechanisms for mediating the interests of their members, Chinese state policies, and accommodation within the Chilean social and political structure.