Peru has rejected concerns from the United States regarding the implications of a Chinese-run port for its sovereignty, emphasizing its control over operations.
On February 14, Peru firmly dismissed worries voiced by US officials about the potential threat to its sovereignty posed by the Chinese-operated port of Chancay, located near Lima. Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela stated, "Sovereignty is not at stake," during an interview, highlighting the oversight of numerous Peruvian authorities overseeing the private facility managed by Cosco Shipping Ports of China. He emphasized the existing legal and regulatory frameworks protecting national interests amidst international partnerships.
The Chancay port is a significant project aimed at establishing a crucial trade link between Asia and Latin America, which has garnered attention from the US as geopolitical tensions escalate between Washington and Beijing. The United States has recently raised alarms over the granting of regulatory exemptions to the port, positing that these could undermine Peru's autonomy. De Zela addressed these concerns, indicating that although the US is scrutinizing the port's operations, Peru maintains its sovereignty through its regulatory structures without ceding control to foreign powers.
This situation reflects the broader geopolitical landscape where investment and influence from China in Latin America create friction with US interests. As the Trump administration heightens engagement with the region, projects like Chancay may symbolize a shift in power dynamics. Peru’s clear stance emphasizes a commitment to its sovereignty amid external pressures, highlighting the complexities of international relations in the context of regional development and foreign investment.
