Peru’s new president has become embroiled in a growing political controversy after failing to disclose meetings with a Chinese businessman, triggering a preliminary investigation and renewed instability in the country’s fragile political landscape. President Jose Jeri, who took office only months ago following the removal of his predecessor, is facing mounting pressure from lawmakers who accuse him of breaching transparency norms. In Peru, presidential agendas are traditionally made public to prevent conflicts of interest, and deviations from that practice are treated seriously. The issue has resonated beyond domestic politics, as the meetings involved a Chinese national with business interests in Peru, adding a geopolitical dimension to what might otherwise be viewed as a procedural lapse. The controversy has reignited public debate over governance standards at a time when political trust remains fragile.
According to information circulating in local media, the undisclosed meetings involved businessman Zhihua Yang, who holds commercial interests and an energy related concession in the country. The encounters reportedly took place outside official channels, including a private dinner in Lima, and were not initially recorded in the presidential agenda. After the meetings became public, President Jeri issued an apology, acknowledging that his actions violated protocol and created grounds for suspicion. He denied receiving any improper requests and said the discussions were related to cultural and bilateral friendship matters. However, further disclosures of an additional meeting intensified criticism, reinforcing concerns among opposition lawmakers that transparency standards had been compromised at the highest level of government.
The political response has been swift, with members of Congress signaling their intention to pursue impeachment or censure proceedings. While analysts suggest that removal remains unlikely given the proximity of upcoming elections and lawmakers’ preference for stability, the episode underscores the persistent volatility of Peru’s political system. Since 2018, the country has cycled through multiple presidents amid corruption scandals and institutional deadlock. Public opinion remains divided, with approval ratings for Jeri still relatively resilient despite recent declines. The investigation is expected to focus on whether the failure to disclose the meetings constituted a legal violation or merely a breach of political norms, a distinction that could shape the outcome of congressional action.
Beyond Peru’s borders, the controversy highlights the sensitivity surrounding China’s growing economic presence in Latin America. Engagements involving Chinese investors and officials are increasingly scrutinized across the region, particularly where governance and transparency concerns are already acute. For Lima, the episode risks complicating efforts to balance foreign investment needs with domestic accountability. As Peru seeks political stability ahead of elections, the handling of this case will be closely watched as a test of institutional credibility. The outcome may also influence how future interactions with foreign business figures, including those linked to China, are managed within Peru’s evolving political framework.
