The United States has voiced strong apprehension regarding China's expanding influence over Peru's crucial infrastructure, particularly focusing on the colossal Chancay port. This concern intensified following a recent Peruvian court ruling that appeared to curtail the authority of local regulators over the Chinese-developed facility. The U.S. State Department has openly expressed its unease, suggesting that Peru's national autonomy could be at risk due to what it terms "predatory Chinese ownership." This situation underscores a broader international debate about the implications of China's Belt and Road initiative and its substantial investments in strategic assets across various nations.
US Issues Stern Warning to Peru Over Chinese Port Control in Chancay
In a direct statement on February 12, 2026, the United States, through the Trump administration's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, articulated significant concerns regarding Peru's potential loss of sovereignty to China. This warning was prompted by a Peruvian court decision on January 29, which restricted the oversight capabilities of a local regulatory body, Ositran, concerning the Chinese-constructed deepwater port in Chancay, north of Lima. The port, a $1.3 billion project and a cornerstone of China's Belt and Road initiative in Latin America, has become a focal point of geopolitical tensions. The U.S. State Department explicitly stated its apprehension about Peru's diminished capacity to oversee the port, which it attributed to "predatory Chinese owners." It further cautioned that this scenario should serve as a "cautionary tale" globally, suggesting that the allure of "cheap Chinese money" might compromise national sovereignty. China's state-owned Cosco Shipping, the majority stakeholder in the port, countered these claims, asserting that the court ruling does not infringe upon Peruvian sovereignty and that the port operates under Peruvian law and oversight. Ositran, responsible for regulating all other major ports in Peru, intends to appeal the court's decision, arguing against the exemption of Cosco Shipping from its regulatory purview. Peru's Foreign Ministry refrained from commenting, and the Chinese Embassy in Peru did not respond to inquiries.
This unfolding situation in Peru highlights the complex interplay between economic development, national sovereignty, and international relations. The U.S. warning brings to the forefront the long-standing debate about the nature of Chinese investments abroad and their potential geopolitical implications. For emerging economies, the promise of significant infrastructure development can be compelling, yet this case suggests that such partnerships may come with hidden costs related to regulatory control and national autonomy. It serves as a critical reminder for nations to carefully scrutinize foreign investment deals, especially those involving strategic assets, to ensure that short-term economic gains do not inadvertently undermine long-term national interests and sovereign control.