U.S. officials and researchers warn that the Chinese Communist Party could potentially exploit the newly opened deep-water port in Peru to spy on American naval and commercial ships. Brian Nichols, a senior U.S. diplomat for Latin America, has called on countries in the Western hemisphere to be cautious of Chinese investments, particularly after the inauguration of the Chancay port, which is owned by China.
Nichols emphasized the importance of ensuring that Chinese economic activities adhere to local laws, respect human rights, and protect the environment. The United States has been working closely with Peru to educate them on the complexities of dealing with other investors.
Despite Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s praise for the port as a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative, local protests have erupted due to the negative impacts of the port’s construction on the environment and residents. Concerns have also been raised about the potential for the port to be used for military purposes by the Chinese Communist Party, potentially putting U.S. national security at risk.
Additionally, there are worries about data security and the extraction of resources from Latin America by the Chinese through ports like Chancay. With many countries in the region signing onto China’s Belt and Road Initiative, there is growing concern about the influence and control China may exert over critical resources in Latin America. The cost estimate for the new terminal is $405 million, making it the third-largest port in Peru. This port will serve as a key hub for shipping iron from the nearby Pampa de Pongo, an iron mine project developed by Jinzhao Peru.
During a hearing at the House Armed Services Committee last March, Richardson emphasized the importance of paying attention to the region, stating, “The proximity matters. They are on the 20-yard line of our homeland. We are in a neighborhood. These are our neighbors, and we have got to pay attention to them.”
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