Starting Latin America trip, Xi Jinping opens China-funded port in Peru

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. Chinese President Xi Jinping launched a week-long diplomatic tour of South America on Thursday by inaugurating a massive deep-water port in Peru, Reuters reports.

The port is a $1.3 billion investment by Beijing as it seeks to expand trade and influence on the continent, according to Reuters.

Xi will also participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima then head to the Group of 20 summit in Rio de Janeiro next week, where he will also make a state visit to Brazil.

Xi and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte participated on Thursday by video link in the opening of the Chancay port, about 80 kilometres (48 miles) north of Lima on the Pacific Ocean, and signed a deal to widen an existing free trade agreement.

The Chancay Port will strongly consolidate Peru's position as a gateway that connects land and sea, Asia and Latin America, Xinhua news agency quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping as saying.

He said China is ready to work with Peru to build a new land-sea corridor between China and Latin America with Chancay Port as a starting point.