Urgent.News

What's breaking now, across thousands of outlets.

World

China rebuts top US diplomat Marco Rubio over ‘Communist Party-backed projects’ in Peru

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks in Peru on Thursday on countering Beijing’s growing footprint around the strategic Chancay megaport, drawing a sharp response from China’s embassy in Lima, which defended its investments and took aim at Washington’s strict visa rules. Rubio met President Keiko Fujimori at the Government Palace, where she confirmed Peru would join the Shield of the…

China rebuts top US diplomat Marco Rubio over ‘Communist Party-backed projects’ in Peru

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded his tour of Latin America in Peru on Thursday, strengthening ties with conservative governments and combating drug cartels. After visiting Colombia and Ecuador, Rubio met with new Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori and addressed the press. Peru, a major cocaine producer, has seen a surge in homicides since 2018 and faces ongoing international drug trafficking.

The visit aimed to address security concerns and prepare for the El Nino weather phenomenon. In Quito, Rubio announced that Los Tiguerones, Ecuador's most powerful criminal gang, would be designated as a terrorist organization by the US, severing its financial connections. Rubio emphasized that these groups are not ordinary mafias but terrorists, warning of their potential to devastate nations.

The tour underscores a shift in regional politics, with right-wing governments forming closer ties with Washington. It also highlights the US administration's efforts to counter China, Russia, and Iran's influence in Latin America. The Chinese embassy refuted claims of regional dominance and defended its cooperation with Latin American nations.

Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

This story

This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.

Read the original at scmp.com →

More in World

More from Thursday 10 September →