Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer in Beijing on Monday, signaling a renewed commitment to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
During the meeting, Wang Yi highlighted the strong ties between China and Peru, noting that Peru was among the first Latin American nations to join the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the first in the region to sign a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with China. “For 11 consecutive years, China has been Peru’s largest trading partner and top export destination,” Wang said.
Wang Yi expressed appreciation for Peru’s longstanding adherence to the one-China principle and emphasized China’s confidence in the future of bilateral relations. He pledged China’s continued support for Peru on issues concerning its core interests and commitment to implementing the important agreements reached by the leaders of both nations.
The ministers discussed advancing their comprehensive strategic partnership to new levels for the benefit of both peoples. They highlighted the significance of the Chancay Port project, a flagship endeavor in bilateral cooperation. Wang noted that the direct route between Chancay Port and Shanghai would boost Peru’s development capacity and enhance its role in regional growth.
Both sides agreed to accelerate the approval of protocols to upgrade their bilateral free trade agreement and expedite negotiations on an agreement to avoid double taxation.
Elmer Schialer praised the solid foundation of mutual respect, equality, and shared interests that underpins the China-Peru partnership. He reaffirmed Peru’s firm commitment to the one-China principle, stating that Peru recognizes Taiwan as an integral part of China.
“As one of the first Latin American countries to join the BRI, we look forward to deepening cooperation with China in politics, trade, science and technology, and culture,” Schialer said. He expressed Peru’s willingness to co-develop the Chancay Port industrial park, expand free trade collaboration, and advance negotiations on the avoidance of double taxation.
The two sides also exchanged views on China-Latin America cooperation and pledged to contribute jointly to the success of the upcoming ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum.
