Chinese President Xi Jinping landed in Lima on Thursday for a state visit, coinciding with the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. His agenda: strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Peru for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
In discussions with Peru's leader, Dina Boluarte, Xi emphasized the shared wisdom of their ancient civilizations. \"The profound accumulation of ancient civilizations has endowed China and Peru with wisdom and minds, enabling us to see the direction of history, follow the trend of the times,\" he remarked.
Highlighting over five decades of diplomatic ties, Xi noted a 1.6-fold increase in trade since 2016 and a doubling of Chinese investments in Peru. The upgraded China-Peru Free Trade Agreement has delivered tangible benefits, fostering solidarity and cooperation across different systems and cultures.
The spotlight of Xi's visit is the Chancay Port, a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative. Xi envisions Chancay as the starting point for a new land-sea corridor connecting the Inca Trail with the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road, paving the way for common prosperity across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Boluarte welcomed Xi's visit as a significant milestone, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations. She praised the Belt and Road Initiative's impact on Peru's economic growth and connectivity, particularly through the Chancay Port, which is set to become a crucial bridge between Latin America and Asia.
Looking ahead, Xi expressed China’s commitment to further investments in Peru, sharing expertise in industrial park construction, and enhancing cooperation in anti-corruption and sustainable development. Educational and cultural exchanges were also highlighted, with plans to increase scholarships for Peruvian students.
The visit underscores the deepening ties between China and Peru, aiming to build a community with a shared future and contribute to the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and the Global South.
Reference(s):
Xi eyes new stage of China-Peru comprehensive strategic partnership
cgtn.com
