U.S. Warns Peru Over Chinese-Owned Chancay Port

In a concerning development for Peru's maritime industry, the Trump administration has warned that the country is 'losing sovereignty' over the Chinese-owned Chancay port near the capital city of Lima. According to gCaptain, a local judge in Peru recently ruled that the Chancay port is exempt from some regulatory oversight, raising alarm bells in Washington. The U.S. government views the port's Chinese ownership and the judge's decision as a threat to Peru's control over a critical piece of national infrastructure. 'The United States is deeply concerned by the Peruvian government's actions that are undermining its sovereignty over the Chancay port,' a State Department spokesperson told gCaptain. 'We urge the Peruvian government to take all necessary steps to maintain full sovereign control over this strategic asset.' The Chancay port is operated by Cosco Shipping Ports, a subsidiary of China's state-owned shipping conglomerate. Its location just north of Lima makes it a vital gateway for Peru's imports and exports. The U.S. fears that China could leverage its control of the port to advance its geopolitical interests in the region. This development comes amid growing concerns over China's expanding influence in Latin America through infrastructure investments and port operations. The U.S. has repeatedly warned countries in the region about the national security risks posed by Chinese-owned ports and other critical assets.