China-backed megaport to open in Peru as Belt and Road hub

Lima touts efficiency and capacity as U.S. raises concerns over military use

The new port is majority owned by COSCO Shipping, China's largest state-owned shipper. © Reuters

NIKI MIZUGUCHI and YUKIO TAJIMA, Nikkei staff writers

November 13, 2024 03:45 JST

SAO PAULO/BEJING -- A majority Chinese-owned port in Peru is expected to become a crucial link in the Belt and Road infrastructure initiative as the U.S. warily eyes Beijing's expanding influence in what Washington considers its backyard.

When Chancay port opens on Thursday, it is expected to "open up a new 'maritime expressway' for the integration of the Asia-Pacific economy," Chinese Communist Party-affiliated Global Times said in an editorial on Monday.