Chinese President Xi Jinping attends grand welcome ceremony hosted by Peruvian President Dina Boluarte in Lima
New York, N.Y. — Chinese President Xi Jinping was honored with a ceremonial welcome in Lima on November 14, 2024, as Peru rolled out the red carpet for one of the year’s most significant diplomatic visits. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte hosted the elaborate ceremony, marking the beginning of Xi’s state visit and his participation in the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.
The grand welcome ceremony showcased the deepening ties between China and Peru, two nations whose economic partnership has flourished over the past decade. Xi’s arrival in Lima represents not only bilateral diplomatic engagement but also China’s continued commitment to strengthening relationships across Latin America.
Historic Diplomatic Engagement Unfolds in Lima
The ceremonial proceedings took place at the Government Palace in Lima’s historic center, where traditional Peruvian music and cultural displays welcomed the Chinese delegation. President Boluarte, dressed in traditional Peruvian attire, greeted Xi with full military honors, including a 21-gun salute and inspection of the honor guard.
Xi’s visit to Peru marks his first state visit to the South American nation since 2016, when he attended the APEC summit during a different political era. The timing of this visit is particularly significant, as it comes amid growing Chinese investment in Peruvian infrastructure projects, including the Chancay Port development, which represents one of China’s largest infrastructure investments in South America.
“This visit strengthens the comprehensive strategic partnership between our nations,” President Boluarte remarked during the welcome ceremony. “Peru and China share a vision for sustainable development and mutual prosperity.”
Economic Partnership Takes Center Stage
The state visit coincides with Peru’s hosting of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, bringing together leaders from 21 Pacific Rim economies. Xi’s participation in both events underscores China’s commitment to multilateral economic cooperation and its growing influence in Pacific trade relationships.
Trade between China and Peru has grown exponentially over recent years, with China becoming Peru’s largest trading partner. Chinese investments in Peru’s mining sector, particularly in copper and lithium extraction, have created thousands of jobs while supporting Peru’s economic growth objectives.
The Belt and Road Initiative, China’s global infrastructure development strategy, has found fertile ground in Peru. The Chancay Port project, expected to be completed by 2025, will create a direct shipping route between Peru and Asia, potentially transforming South America’s trade dynamics.
APEC Summit Highlights Regional Cooperation
Xi’s attendance at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting represents China’s continued engagement with Pacific Rim economies during a period of global economic uncertainty. The summit’s focus on sustainable development, digital transformation, and inclusive growth aligns with China’s domestic policy priorities and international development assistance programs.
APEC member economies represent approximately 60% of global GDP and 47% of world trade, making the organization a crucial platform for economic diplomacy. Xi’s participation demonstrates China’s commitment to multilateral institutions and regional economic integration.
The Chinese president’s agenda includes bilateral meetings with several APEC leaders, strengthening China’s diplomatic relationships across the Asia-Pacific region. These meetings are expected to focus on trade facilitation, supply chain resilience, and sustainable development initiatives.
Cultural Exchange and People-to-People Connections
Beyond economic and political discussions, Xi’s visit emphasizes cultural exchange and people-to-people connections between China and Peru. The Chinese diaspora in Peru, numbering approximately 1.3 million people, represents one of the largest Chinese communities in Latin America.
Educational exchanges between Chinese and Peruvian universities have increased significantly, with programs focusing on language learning, engineering, and sustainable development. The Confucius Institute at major Peruvian universities has facilitated cultural understanding and academic cooperation.
During the welcome ceremony, traditional Chinese and Peruvian cultural performances highlighted the shared values and mutual respect between the two civilizations. These cultural elements underscore how diplomatic relationships extend beyond government-to-government interactions to encompass broader societal connections.
Xi’s visit to Peru reflects China’s broader Latin America strategy, emphasizing South-South cooperation and alternative development models. As global economic relationships evolve, China’s engagement with Latin American nations offers opportunities for diversified trade partnerships and technological cooperation.
The success of this state visit will likely influence future Chinese diplomatic and economic engagement throughout the region, potentially setting precedents for similar partnerships with other South American nations seeking alternative development financing and trade relationships.
Chinese President Xi Jinping received a ceremonial welcome in Lima from Peruvian President Dina Boluarte on November 14, 2024, beginning his state visit to Peru and participation in the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. The visit strengthens bilateral relations and highlights growing Chinese investment in Latin American infrastructure projects, particularly the Chancay Port development, while emphasizing cultural exchange and economic cooperation between the two nations.
