Image: from Cooperativa X@Cooperativa
By Open Chronicle News Desk
LIMA – Peru’s fragile political landscape is reeling from a new corruption scandal that threatens to upend the nation’s deep-seated relationship with China. Dubbed “Chifagate” by local media, the controversy centers on acting President Jose Jeri and his undisclosed meetings with a Chinese businessman, providing an opening for the United States to intensify its scrutiny of Beijing’s footprint in Latin America.
President Jeri, who assumed office in October following the removal of Dina Boluarte, is facing preliminary investigations for alleged influence peddling. The scandal stems from three acknowledged meetings with Zhihua Yang, a businessman with ties to an energy project and a history of logistical support for Chinese firms suspected of corruption.
Un empresario chino con detención domiciliaria vigente ingresó tres veces a Palacio de Gobierno en la gestión presidencial de José Jerí. Se trata de Xiaodong Ji Wu, quien entró junto a Zhihua Yang, amigo de Jerí. Aquí nuestra investigación: https://t.co/k42ZEIxOZM #CuartoPoder pic.twitter.com/ny6vwLnoAc
— Oscar Libon (@chronopio) January 19, 2026
A Geopolitical Opportunity for Washington
The timing of the scandal is critical. The Trump administration has significantly stepped up its influence campaign in the region, aiming to curtail China’s economic dominance. “It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Trump administration using pressure tools to nudge Peru away from China,” noted Martin Cassinelli, a trade and investment analyst at the Atlantic Council.
The U.S. move follows its recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro—a major Chinese ally—sending a clear signal that Washington intends to challenge “extra-regional powers” in the Western Hemisphere.
Sin agenda, sin registro y fuera de Palacio. Imágenes muestran al presidente José Jerí reuniéndose con un empresario chino en un local privado del centro de Lima
Encuentra los reportajes y entrevistas del programa AQUÍ ► https://t.co/T3blzG3s0R pic.twitter.com/HdWBS721ag
— Cuarto Poder (@Cuarto_Poder) January 19, 2026
Economic Entrenchment vs. Public Distrust
Disrupting the Sino-Peruvian bond will be a formidable task. Since signing a free trade pact in 2009, China has surpassed the U.S. as Peru’s top trading partner, currently accounting for 33% of its total trade compared to just 14% for the U.S. China also:
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Owns one of Peru’s largest copper mines.
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Operates the Chancay megaport, a vital South America–Asia trade route.
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Controls the country’s largest power generators.
However, public sentiment is shifting. Recent polling shows Jeri’s approval rating has plummeted to 41%, with 78% of Peruvians perceiving signs of corruption in his dealings with Yang. Analysts warn that if the public begins to view Chinese investment through the lens of favoritism and graft, future contracts could face unprecedented resistance.
Impeachment and Elections
Opposition lawmakers have already filed impeachment motions against Jeri, who is meant to serve until the upcoming presidential elections on April 12. As Peru navigates its seventh presidency since 2018, the outcome of “Chifagate” will likely determine whether the country remains a cornerstone of Chinese influence in the Andes or pivots back toward the U.S. sphere of influence.