Diplomats from 26 countries visit Chancay Port, highlight its role in regional connectivity

China

Diplomats from 26 countries visit Chancay Port, highlight its role in regional connectivity

2025-05-04 17:24 Last Updated At：21:47

More than 40 diplomats from 26 countries and international organizations in Peru on Wednesday visited the Port of Chancay, to deepen their understanding of the progress of this flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, and to promote regional cooperation and connectivity.

During the visit, the port representatives detailed the progress of its construction, its current operations, its planning, and its key role in the economic development of Peru and the region.

Chinese Ambassador to Peru Song Yang accompanied the diplomats on an inspection of the dock and the automated system, where they also learned about the latest achievements of the port in terms of digitalization and full automation.

Fernando Quiros, director of Asia and Oceania of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru, recognized the port's role in Peru's economic transformation.

"I am impressed by how much the port has grown and how it is already operating automatically, respecting the environment. But perhaps most importantly for us Peruvians, the port represents the starting point for a great economic transformation of Peru," he said.

"The potential of the port's development as a hub for the countries of South America will strengthen regional integration here in our own continent," said Carlos Vasquez, the 2024 Chair of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Senior Officials' Meeting.

For his part, the Malaysian ambassador praised the advanced technology of the port, describing it as a "strategic bridge" between Latin America and the world.

"This is my first time ever being present here in Chancay Port. I noticed the facility is quite magnificent and is very useful for the new traders with new business who wish to come to explore what the Chancay Port can offer them. So, I also like to take this opportunity to encourage businesses, especially [those] from my country to explore what Chancay Port offers," said Ahmad Irham bin Ikmal Hisham, ambassador of Malaysia to Peru.

Since the launch of the Chancay-Shanghai direct two-way maritime route, the shipment time of goods between China and South America has reduced from 35 days to 23 days, with 20-percent logistics cost cut.

According to the National Superintendence of Customs and Tax Administration of Peru (SUNAT), the port's foreign trade exceeded 420 million U.S. dollars by early April 2025, consolidating it as a key hub for global trade.

Protesters rally in Italy, Greece against U.S. military operation in Venezuela

Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Italy and Greece on Saturday to protest against U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, with protesters in Rome, Milan and Athens condemning Washington's actions and calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.

In Rome, more than 1,000 demonstrators marched toward the area near the U.S. Embassy, calling on Washington to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

Police blocked roads around the embassy to prevent protesters from approaching the building, but demonstrators continued to denounce U.S. actions.

"First of all, we oppose U.S. imperialist aggression. This kind of behavior is shameful. The U.S. is attacking a sovereign country, and as [U.S. President Donald] Trump himself has said, this is for oil interests," said protester Giovanni Barbera.

Saturday's rally marked the second large-scale protest in Rome this month against U.S. military operations in Venezuela, following an earlier one on on Jan 3.

Participants included members of multiple political parties, labor unions and social organizations. The protesters held banners reading "Stop imperialist interference" and "Free Maduro," urging the international community to respect Venezuela's sovereignty and the will of its people, and condemning the U.S. for violating international law.

"We are protesting the way the U.S. handles international politics. Since the events of January 3, we have seen violations of international law, and we are very concerned about how the global situation is developing," said protester Stefano De Angelis.

Organizers said solidarity rallies in support of Venezuela were held in 30 Italian cities on the same day.

Meanwhile, similar protests were also staged in Greece. About 200 people gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens, voicing support for Venezuela and opposition to U.S. military actions.

"We oppose U.S. imperialism and its attack on Venezuela. At the same time, the U.S. is also threatening Cuba, Mexico and Greenland. We must stand up against this behavior," said Greek protester Argiro Sirmakezi.