Peru's New President Navigates US-China Rivalry

Fujimori Charts a Middle Path Between Superpowers

Peru's newly elected President Keiko Fujimori has taken her first steps on the international stage, pledging to strengthen security and attract foreign investment while carefully managing Peru's delicate position between the United States and China — the two dominant powers competing for influence across Latin America.

Peru is one of China's most important trading partners in the region, with Chinese companies holding major stakes in mining, ports, and infrastructure. At the same time, the US remains a critical security partner and source of diplomatic backing for Lima.

Economic Priorities

Fujimori outlined an ambitious economic agenda focused on rebuilding investor confidence, particularly in the critical minerals sector. Peru holds some of the world's largest reserves of copper and lithium — resources that have become strategically valuable to both Washington and Beijing as the global transition to clean energy accelerates.

The president signalled she would welcome investment from both American and Chinese companies but insisted that national interests would take precedence in any deals involving critical infrastructure or natural resources.

Security as a Cornerstone of Policy

On the domestic front, Fujimori pledged decisive action on crime and security, which emerged as a central concern for Peruvian voters. Violent crime, drug trafficking, and organised crime have posed persistent challenges for successive governments.

Analysts said Peru's ability to balance its relationships with the US and China will depend significantly on how Fujimori manages internal stability — an unstable Peru would be a weaker player in regional geopolitics.