Chinese within borders: Daily life and conflicts of Chinese immigrants in Tacna and Arica (1904-1929)

Abstract

The Chinese immigrants were one of the largest groups of foreigners in Northern Chile, particularly in the regions of Tacna and Arica. Despite their contributions to the economic, social and cultural life, political and press discourses tended to emphasize the danger that they meant for the country and especially for this border region. This paper analyzes the three great “dangers” that, according to the public discourse, Chinese immigration and presence meant for this region: the danger to the trade, public health and nation. This study is based on kept in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile and Peru, documents from Chilean administration in Tacna and Arica, national and regional censuses, and journalistic articles.