Full Breakdown
U.S. Concerns Over Peru's Sovereignty Amid Chinese Port Controversy
2/12/2026, 3:58:52 PM
Background on the Chancay Port Issue
The Chancay port, a $1.3 billion deepwater facility located north of Lima, Peru, has become a focal point of tension between the United States and China. This port, developed under China's Belt and Road Initiative, is significant for its role in enhancing trade links between Asia and Latin America. Recently, a ruling by a Peruvian court has restricted the oversight of the port by the local regulator, Ositran, raising alarms about Peru's sovereignty over its critical infrastructure.
Core Event: U.S. Warning to Peru
On February 11, 2026, the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs issued a statement expressing concern that Peru could lose its sovereignty due to the influence of Chinese ownership over the Chancay port. The statement highlighted that the court ruling effectively rendered Peru powerless to oversee one of its largest ports, which is now under the jurisdiction of "predatory Chinese owners." The U.S. emphasized that this situation serves as a cautionary tale regarding the implications of accepting "cheap Chinese money."
Official Statements & Responses
The Trump administration's warning marks a significant critique of Peru's growing ties with China, which has been its largest trading partner for over a decade. In response, the Chinese government, through Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, rejected the U.S. claims, asserting that the port remains under Peruvian jurisdiction and that the court ruling does not affect sovereignty. Cosco Shipping, the majority shareholder of Chancay, echoed this sentiment, stating that the port is monitored by various Peruvian authorities, including police and customs officials.
Criticism & Opposition
Verónica Zambrano, president of Ositran, criticized the court's decision, arguing that it leaves users of the port unprotected and undermines regulatory oversight. She indicated that the ruling exempted Cosco Shipping from necessary supervision, which is not the case for other major ports in Peru. Gonzalo Rios, the port's adjunct general manager, countered that the port is not an enclave devoid of Peruvian sovereignty, asserting that other state entities still regulate its operations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a discrepancy regarding the implications of the court ruling. While the U.S. views it as a significant loss of sovereignty, Chinese officials and Cosco Shipping maintain that the port operates within the bounds of Peruvian law. The extent of regulatory oversight and the potential risks to users of the port remain contentious points of debate.
What's Next
The Peruvian regulator Ositran plans to appeal the court's ruling, seeking to restore its oversight capabilities over the Chancay port. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to strengthen its diplomatic ties with Peru, having designated it as a major non-NATO ally and negotiating a substantial contract for a new naval base near Chancay.
