Archive · 28 Jan 2026
Peru-China Ties Tested by Scandal Amid U.S. Scrutiny
Peru's acting president, Jose Jeri, is in trouble because he met with a Chinese businessman named Zhihua Yang without telling anyone.
Some people think these meetings might have been about giving special favors to Chinese companies, which could be unfair.
This has made people in Peru worried about corruption.
The U.S. is also watching closely because China is a big trading partner for Peru, and the U.S. wants to limit China's influence in the region.
Many Peruvians are upset and think Jeri might be involved in something wrong.
There's going to be a big election soon to choose a new president, and this scandal is making things more complicated.
Peru's acting president, Jose Jeri, met with Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang, sparking a scandal known as 'Chifagate'.
Opposition lawmakers have filed impeachment motions against Jeri, and a preliminary investigation for influence peddling has been opened.
The U.S. is increasing its influence in Latin America, aiming to curb China's deep ties in the region.
China is Peru's top trading partner, accounting for 33% of its trade, and has significant investments in Peru's mining and energy sectors.
Public support for Jeri has dropped, with 78% of Peruvians perceiving signs of corruption in his meetings with the Chinese businessman.
- Who
- Jose Jeri, acting president of Peru, and Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang
- What
- A scandal involving undisclosed meetings and allegations of influence peddling
- When
- Meetings occurred between December and January; scandal ongoing
- Where
- Peru
- Why
- Allegations of undue favoritism and corruption in Peru-China relations
- Acting President of Peru
- Jose Jeri
- Chinese Businessman Involved
- Zhihua Yang
- Scandal Name
- Chifagate
- Peru's Trade with China
- 33%
- Peru's Trade with U.S.
- 14%
- Peru's Next Presidential Election
- April 12
- Peru's Approval Rating for Jeri
- 41%
- Peruvians Perceiving Corruption in Meetings
- 78%