Peru's New Foreign Minister Signals Pro-U.S. Shift Amid China Ties

Peru's foreign policy appears poised for a significant shift towards Washington with the appointment of Carlos Espa as the new foreign minister under President Keiko Fujimori. Espa, a seasoned diplomat with a background at the U.S. Embassy in Lima, has publicly voiced strong criticisms of Chinese companies operating in Peru. He accused them of exploiting the country's institutional weaknesses and engaging in corrupt practices, even directly challenging the Chinese ambassador on the issue of illegal fishing.

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We will deepen the excellent relationship with the United States, a strategic partner and friend with whom we share common fundamental values and challenges.

Espa's appointment signals a potential tilt towards the United States, a sentiment reinforced by his stated intention to join the "Shield of the Americas" initiative, a U.S.-led regional security program. He emphasized deepening the "excellent relationship" with the U.S., describing it as a strategic partner with shared values. However, Espa also acknowledged the importance of maintaining a "dynamic relationship" with China, Peru's largest trading partner and a major investor, particularly highlighting the substantial investments in sectors like mining and the flagship US$1.3 billion Chancay megaport, personally inaugurated by President Xi Jinping.

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We look forward to building a dynamic relationship with the People's Republic of China, our main trading partner and important source of investment.

The new foreign minister's past statements, including calling Chinese firms' actions in Peru akin to treating the country as their "backyard" and their main export being "corruption," starkly contrast with the need to manage relations with Beijing. Despite these strong words, Espa indicated that with the election over, his focus would shift to future bilateral relations. The U.S. has been actively strengthening its ties with Peru, designating it a Major Non-NATO Ally and facilitating arms deals and naval base modernization, especially in light of the strategic importance of the Chancay port.

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They think this is their backyard, that they can do whatever they want with Peru's institutional weaknesses, but their main export is corruption.