Peru’s interim president embroiled in scandal over secret meetings with Chinese businessmen

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Dan Collyns in LimaJanuary 22, 2026 at 06:20 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Peru's interim president, José Jerí, is facing a political scandal dubbed "Chifagate" over undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessmen. Jerí is accused of impropriety for meeting with Yang Zhihua, a businessman with interests in Peru, and Ji Wu Xiaodong, who has been accused of illegal timber-trafficking. The meetings took place outside of official hours at a Chinese restaurant and a shop in Lima's Chinatown. Prosecutors have launched an investigation into the meetings, which have fueled impeachment calls from opposition lawmakers. Jerí denies any wrongdoing, claiming he is the victim of a smear campaign to destabilize the country ahead of elections. The scandal occurs amid US-China competition for influence in Latin America, where China is a major trading partner and investor.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Lima ×240% Los Hostiles de la Amazonia 40% Chifagate 40% Ji Wu Xiaodong ×250% Dina Boluarte ×250% Yang Zhihua (Johnny) ×260% United States 60% China ×270% Peru ×580% José Jerí ×790%

Keywords

political scandal 90% secret meetings 80% chinese businessmen 80% peru 70% impeachment 60% corruption 60% political instability 50% china 50% foreign investment 50% yang zhihua 40%