The United States has expressed strong disapproval following Peru’s decision to postpone a significant $2 billion deal for F-16 fighter jets. This development comes as a senior US lawmaker raises alarms about China’s growing influence in Peru, particularly concerning the strategic Chancay port.
The planned signing ceremony for the F-16 fighter jets, a crucial upgrade for the Peruvian Air Force, was abruptly canceled. US Ambassador to Peru, Bernie Navarro, took to social media platform X to voice his displeasure, stating he would employ “every available tool” against parties perceived to be acting in “bad faith” and undermining US interests. The deal, valued at approximately $2 billion for 12 F-16 Block 70 aircraft, had seen Lockheed Martin significantly reduce its price, effectively halving the unit cost to align with Peru’s allocated budget. This substantial discount was reportedly a key factor in Peru’s initial selection over competitors like the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen.
Simultaneously, concerns are mounting in Washington regarding China’s expanding presence in Peru. Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, urged Peru’s incoming government to reclaim control of the Chinese-operated Chancay port. Salazar described the deepwater facility as a potential military threat to the Western Hemisphere, suggesting it could be repurposed for military operations, including the deployment of Chinese submarines and aircraft carriers.
Michael Kozak, a senior official from the US State Department, noted that Peruvian officials themselves are reportedly “alarmed” by the situation at the port. This follows a court ruling that exempted the Chinese operator, Cosco, from domestic regulatory oversight, a move that has raised questions about transparency and potential strategic implications.