Peru’s interim president, José Jerí, is facing a potential impeachment after opposition lawmakers announced plans to bring a motion against him over undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessmen in Lima’s Chinatown. The scandal, dubbed 'Chifagate', has triggered a criminal investigation by public prosecutors and threatens to destabilise the country ahead of elections in April.
Jerí, 39, who became president in October after his predecessor Dina Boluarte was forced out, denied any wrongdoing during a congressional hearing on Wednesday, claiming he is the victim of a smear campaign. He told lawmakers he would not resign, stating that doing so would imply he had done something wrong. The controversy emerged after videos surfaced showing Jerí meeting with Chinese businessman Yang Zhihua, known as 'Johnny', at a Chinese restaurant and a shuttered shop, both meetings outside his official schedule and undisclosed.
The scandal has drawn attention to the wider geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China in Latin America. China is Peru’s main trading partner and a major investor, with projects such as the Chancay deepwater port, built by Cosco Shipping Ports and operating since November 2024. In a move seen as challenging China’s influence, the US State Department recently approved a $1.5bn sale of equipment and services to help Peru relocate its main naval base in Callao, a decision the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said would promote political stability and economic progress.
Peru has endured chronic political instability, with seven presidents since 2018 amid a revolving door of dismissals and resignations. Despite the scandal, Jerí’s approval rating stands at about 44%, significantly higher than his predecessor’s single-digit figures. He has apologised for the way he dressed during the meetings, which he said were to coordinate the anniversary of Peruvian-Chinese friendship, but denies any improper conduct.
