Peru: Foreign Relations

Peru's foreign relations reflect its position along the Pacific coast of South America, balancing longstanding ties with the United States against a rapidly deepening economic relationship with China. Peru is a member of the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, and it maintains free-trade agreements with both Washington and Beijing.

China has become Peru's leading trading partner and a major source of investment, a relationship underscored by the opening of the Chinese-financed Chancay megaport north of Lima in late 2024. The port, built to handle Pacific trade between South America and Asia, has drawn attention from U.S. policymakers concerned about growing Chinese influence in the region.

As of 2026, Washington has moved to strengthen its own ties with Lima: in January 2026 the United States designated Peru a major non-NATO ally, expanding security and defense cooperation between the two countries. Peru underwent a full change in political leadership in 2026, with President Keiko Fujimori inaugurated in July 2026 following that year's general elections; her administration has signaled interest in closer cooperation with the United States on security and trade even as China remains a central economic partner. Peru continues to work with the United States on counternarcotics efforts and trade promotion while pursuing engagement with both powers.