China is working to expand its economic and strategic footprint across the Western Hemisphere. As Beijing-backed infrastructure, logistics, and investment multiply, leaders throughout the Americas are facing difficult choices regarding long-term geopolitical alignment.
Rafael Lopez Aliaga, the former mayor of Lima, Peru, has a lengthy track record for supporting China-linked projects and expanding personal and commercial ties with Beijing.
He publicly supported the Belt and Road Initiative through the Port of Chancay near Lima, met with Chinese representatives and diplomats, and will benefit from a massive Chinese-financed bioceanic rail project linking the riches of the Amazon with Chancay. Recent plans made public last year show that project is planned to run over PeruRail lines owned by Lopez Aliaga.
As Peruvians prepare to choose a new leader, Lopez Aliaga’s own candidacy for president raises important questions about China’s political footprint in our hemisphere.
Fortunately, President Donald Trump has implemented a new National Security Strategy (NSS) that couldn’t be clearer: China cannot be allowed to own any critical or strategic infrastructure in the Western Hemisphere. There can be no compromise on this.
The Americas, and the leaders elected to serve them, should preserve our common interests and deepen cooperation with one another – not with China.