China defends Peru investments as transparent amid US criticism
China's embassy in Lima said its investments in Peru comply with local law after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Chinese-backed projects of threatening data transparency.
Following an opinion piece by Marco Rubio in El Comercio that warned Chinese-backed projects in Peru could undermine data transparency, the Chinese embassy in Lima issued a statement defending the legality of its investments. The embassy said Chinese funding respects Peruvian law and contributes to development, employment, tax revenue and trade surplus without creating debt. It reminded that China has been Peru's top trading partner for over a decade and that bilateral commerce is based on mutual benefit.
The statement also stressed that any foreign investment must be subject to Peruvian oversight, especially if it creates significant indebtedness. Additionally, the embassy referenced the pending update to the China-Peru free-trade agreement and highlighted visa-free travel for Peruvian passport holders to China. Rubio is scheduled to meet President Keiko Fujimori and Foreign Minister Carlos Espá during his visit to Lima.
How this story developed
- Sep 7 Rubio visits Colombia, Ecuador and Peru to cement ties with new Trump-aligned leaders
- Sep 8 U.S. Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere sank a floating refueling vessel used by the Los Choneros criminal group in the Eastern Pacific, and the crew will be turned over to Ecuadorian authorities.
- Sep 8 The latest sinking adds to four prior sinkings in the past two weeks.
- Sep 9 Rubio has begun the tour with a stop in Colombia, meeting President Abelardo de la Espriella.
- Sep 9 Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States will now work with regional allies on drug-interdiction, while still reserving the right to sink suspect ships if necessary.
- Sep 10 Washington announced a shift to joint interdiction missions with Colombia and Ecuador while keeping authority to destroy suspect boats.
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