Keynote Lecture | Carlos Aquino

Peruvian economist Carlos Aquino presented the lecture “Present and Future of the Port of Chancay in the Context of Peru’s Relations with China and the U.S.” during the International Forum China – Latin America: Perspectives and Debates.

A specialist in international and Asian economics, Aquino analyzed the Port of Chancay as a strategic node in the growing geopolitical competition between China and the United States in Latin America. He emphasized that, since the early 2000s, trade between China and the region has grown significantly, consolidating Beijing’s economic presence and raising concerns in Washington, given its historical dominance in the hemisphere.

The presentation explored how the Chancay port—funded and built with Chinese capital—has become a key infrastructure project that directly connects South America with Asia. Beyond its economic value, Aquino argued that the port represents the expansion of China’s logistical and commercial model across the region.

However, he also highlighted that the port has triggered concerns within the U.S. government, particularly regarding the potential dual-use nature of its facilities, which could include military applications. Using this case, Aquino examined the port’s broader strategic implications for regional sovereignty and hemispheric security.

Finally, he placed the Chancay project within the wider context of global power rivalries, calling for a strategic reassessment of Peru’s foreign relations and the geopolitical balance in Latin America.

Speaker:

Carlos Aquino
National University of San Marcos
Country: Peru
Presentation: Present and Future of the Port of Chancay in the Context of Peru’s Relations with China and the United States