China rebuts top US diplomat Marco Rubio over ‘Communist Party-backed projects’ in Peru

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Peru to discuss countering China's influence, particularly concerning the Chancay megaport. During his visit, Rubio met with President Keiko Fujimori, who confirmed Peru's participation in the US-led Shield of the Americas coalition. Rubio expressed concerns that Chinese Communist Party-backed projects in Peru bypass legal frameworks and pose risks to transparency and data security. In response, China's embassy in Lima defended its investments, stating that China does not interfere in other countries' internal affairs or demand they take sides, and asserted that the Western Hemisphere is not a "backyard." Peru aims to balance its security cooperation with Washington while maintaining its significant trade relationship with China.

Peru, under its new right-wing President Keiko Fujimori, has joined the US-led "Shield of the Americas" security alliance. Announced on September 10, 2026, after talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the alliance aims to share intelligence and conduct military operations against drug cartels. Fujimori stated Peru's experience with terrorism makes it understand the difficulty of confronting current criminality. Rubio described the alliance as a shield against transnational criminal groups threatening national sovereignty. The move is part of a broader US effort to strengthen ties with conservative allies in South America and counter Chinese influence. However, the alliance has also sparked protests in Peru over concerns about US intervention and potential erosion of sovereignty.