Peru hopes to welcome President Xi Jinping for the inauguration of Chinese-built mega port

China has pledged unwavering support for Peru as Foreign Minister Javier Gonzalez-Olaechea Franco visited Beijing, signalling a deepening of ties between the two nations. Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister, assured his Peruvian counterpart of mutual support on core issues and emphasized China’s commitment to assisting Peru in its industrialization efforts.

Describing Peru as a significant member of the Global South, Wang Yi expressed China’s readiness to bolster cooperation in various fields, including education, culture, tourism, and technology. Both countries agreed to oppose unilateralism and bullying while advocating for peace and democracy on the international stage.

In response, Gonzalez-Olaechea reiterated Peru’s commitment to a multipolar world and expressed eagerness to strengthen ties with China. He also extended an invitation to President Xi Jinping to attend the inauguration of the China-funded Chancay mega port in Peru next year.

The Chancay mega port, a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative, aims to enhance connectivity between Asia and South America. With construction initiated in 2011, the port is set to open four of its 11 berths by the year’s end, offering a faster route for Pacific trade with China.

However, tensions have arisen between the Peruvian government and Cosco Shipping, the Chinese firm responsible for building the port. Peru seeks to cancel an exclusivity deal with Cosco, citing an administrative error. While efforts to resolve the dispute continue, Cosco has offered a six-month negotiation period to avoid international arbitration.

In addition to the Chancay port project, China has financed various infrastructure and mining ventures in Peru. Chinese investment plays a significant role in Peru’s iron and copper production, underscoring the deepening economic ties between the two nations.

Despite China’s historical focus on commodities from Peru, recent years have seen increased Chinese engagement in sectors such as ports and energy. President Xi’s meeting with his Peruvian counterpart Dina Boluarte in 2022 and ongoing bilateral discussions highlight the growing importance of China-Peru relations