Keiko Fujimori takes office as President of Peru with a focus on balancing U.S. and Chinese interests

Keiko Fujimori was elected as the president of Peru, aiming to navigate the complex economic and geopolitical relationship between the United States and China. While the new administration in Lima seeks to achieve political alignment with Washington, it remains constrained by deep economic ties with Beijing. China is currently Peru's largest trading partner and a major investor in strategic sectors such as mining, energy, and infrastructure. Recent developments in the region highlight a shift toward pragmatic engagement. For example, a Peruvian court ruling regarding state oversight of the Chancay port—a major Chinese-built deep-water port—is pending. This project illustrates the challenge of balancing two superpowers. Similarly, in Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella was elected president with a pledge to prioritize democratic states and normalize relations with the United States. However, de la Espriella also intends to make foreign policy more commercial, seeking to maximize trade benefits from both the U.S. and China. Across Latin America, nations like Honduras, Panama, and Nicaragua are maintaining ties with both powers to preserve freedom of action. These countries are demonstrating that political alignment does not always require a complete break from Beijing.

Sources

• Washington Examiner
  China is eating our lunch in Latin America. Trump’s new coalition is the cure
• thediplomat.com
  Latin America’s China Dilemma: Lessons From Peru and Colombia’s Presidential Elections
• South China Morning Post
  As I see it | The US’ dangerous reversion to imperialism in Latin America
• The Strategist | ASPI's analysis and commentary site
  In relations with China, Latin America puts itself first

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Paywall and unreadable sources

• The New York Times
  Peru Shows the Limits of Washington’s Anti-China Push