Full Breakdown
U.S. Lawmakers Urge Peru to Reclaim Chancay Port from Chinese Control
4/17/2026, 3:25:29 AM
U.S. Concerns Over Chancay Port's Military Potential
A senior U.S. lawmaker has called for Peru’s next government to reclaim control of the Chancay port, which is currently operated by the Chinese company Cosco. Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, expressed concerns during a recent congressional hearing, labeling the deepwater facility as a potential military threat to the western hemisphere. Salazar emphasized that the port could serve dual purposes, allowing for both commercial and military operations, which could enable Chinese naval assets, including submarines and aircraft carriers, to operate from Peruvian territory.
Background on Chancay Port's Operations
The Chancay port has been a point of contention following a February court ruling in Lima that favored Cosco, granting the company immunity from domestic regulatory oversight. This ruling stemmed from a constitutional protection action initiated by Cosco against Peru’s national transport infrastructure regulator, Ositran. The court's decision has raised alarms among Peruvian officials regarding the implications of Chinese control over the port, particularly in light of its strategic location.
Official Statements & Responses
During the hearing, Michael Kozak, the U.S. State Department’s senior bureau official for Western Hemisphere Affairs, supported Salazar's assertions, noting that Peruvian officials were "alarmed" by the court's ruling. Salazar urged the incoming Peruvian government, set to be elected in June, to take decisive action to reclaim the port, stating, “The new Peruvian government... must take it back, that port, take it back, and the United States will help them.”
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the U.S. stance argue that the focus on military implications may overlook the economic benefits that the port could bring to Peru. Some local analysts suggest that the port's development could enhance trade opportunities and infrastructure investment, which could be beneficial for the Peruvian economy.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a discrepancy regarding the extent of the military threat posed by the Chancay port. While U.S. lawmakers emphasize the potential for military operations, some experts question the likelihood of such developments, suggesting that the primary focus of the port remains commercial activities. Additionally, the implications of the court ruling on future regulatory oversight remain unclear, with no definitive statements from the Peruvian government on how they plan to address the situation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The new Peruvian government, which will be elected next June, must take it back, that port, take it back, and the United States will help them,” — Maria Elvira Salazar, Congresswoman
As the situation develops, the upcoming elections in Peru will be crucial in determining the future of the Chancay port and its implications for U.S.-Peru relations.
