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Peru

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Peru. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Lima

Head of State

President Dina Boluarte

Head of Government

Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén

The newly discovered Costa Rican ghost shark (Rhinochimaera costaricana) at the Museum of Zoology of the University of Costa Rica’s Centre for Research in Biodiversity and Tropical Ecology in San Jose on Friday. Photo: AFP

Americas and the Caribbean

New ghost shark species may have been found in Costa Rica

Scientists say the latest discovery has a ‘shorter’ snout, a ‘darker coloration pattern’ and a ‘much longer spine on its dorsal fin’.

4 Jul 2026 - 10:30AM

Japan

Japan’s detention system under scrutiny after ruling on abuse of restraints

2 Jul 2026 - 4:22PM

Americas and the Caribbean

Fujimori dynasty returns to Peru as ex-leader’s daughter wins presidency

30 Jun 2026 - 3:54PM

Venezuela

Venezuela earthquakes draw aid from governments that cut ties with Caracas

Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and other governments that suspended relations with the country offer rescue teams and humanitarian aid.

26 Jun 2026 - 8:52PMvideocam

Neighbours carry a man from the rubble of a collapsed building in La Guaira, Venezuela. Photo: AP

Americas and the Caribbean

Keiko Fujimori vows to unite a Peru ‘split in two’ as run-off lead holds

The presidential hopeful stopped short of declaring victory while securing what appears to be an insurmountable lead over Roberto Sanchez.

25 Jun 2026 - 7:00AM

Americas and the Caribbean

Keiko Fujimori edges closer to winning Peru’s presidency

Right-wing candidate secures a narrow, unbeatable margin over her rival as overseas ballots help push her over the line.

24 Jun 2026 - 3:29PM

US-China trade war

Why the US remains ‘fragmented’ in a critical copper clash against China

Washington’s efforts to rebuild the domestic copper industry are colliding with Chinese dominance in a metal central to advanced tech and defence systems.

24 Jun 2026 - 10:22AMvideocam

Mainland China

Peru faces drawn-out count as presidential race goes down to the wire

Four-time candidate Keiko Fujimori is locked in a tight run-off with leftist rival Roberto Sanchez.

8 Jun 2026 - 5:43PM

European Union

Pope Leo urges end to ‘polarising narratives’ on Spain visit

The pope says he hopes the week-long tour of Spain will set an example to the world about respecting ‘every human being’.

6 Jun 2026 - 9:39PM

US-China relations

The new Panama? Why Nicaragua could be next front in US-China influence battle

Beijing could move to build an alternative to the Panama Canal in Nicaragua, before the US gets involved, scholar warns.

9 Jun 2026 - 4:19PMvideocam

A vessel transits the Panama Canal. China could move to build a rival waterway in Nicaragua, as it looks to counter pressure from the United States. Photo: Reuters

US-China relations

Opinion | What does a ‘strong, quiet, clear’ US mean for China and Asia?

The US defence secretary’s speech at an annual defence forum had fewer China attacks, no mention of Taiwan and a nebulous vow to be ‘strong, quiet, clear’.

6 Jun 2026 - 1:56PMvideocam

Americas and the Caribbean

Shadow of old dictatorship looms over Peru’s bitter run-off

Rival final rallies expose deep ideological divides as voters prepare to choose between a familiar name and a break with the past.

5 Jun 2026 - 2:24PM

Americas and the Caribbean

Peru’s leftist Sanchez to face Fujimori in presidential run-off

Official results emerged after a month-long count that has led to allegations of fraud in the politically turbulent South American nation.

16 May 2026 - 1:15AM

Thailand

Thailand vows strict tourist oversight after public sex incidents

The pledge followed a Monday incident in Phuket where a couple was found performing a sexual act in a popular tourist area.

6 May 2026 - 7:55PMvideocam

A tourist does the traditional Thai greeting during his visit to the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) in Bangkok. Thailand expects about 33.5 million foreign tourists this year, up from nearly 33 million visitors in 2025. Photo: EPA

China-Latin America relations

Beijing backs Cuba, Chile reveals smuggling ring: Latin America relations reads

From a smuggling ring in Chile to rare earth wrangling in Brazil, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in April 2026.

30 May 2026 - 5:09AM

People walk past a mural with the Cuban flag in Havana, Cuba, on April 15. Photo: EPA

Americas and the Caribbean

Top Peru ministers quit in protest over stalled US F-16 jet deal

Peru’s interim president defers decision on the US$3.5 billion deal to his successor who will emerge from a run-off vote in June.

23 Apr 2026 - 1:53PM

US-China trade war

Why the biggest threat to US dollar dominance may well be Washington itself

Economic sanctions, access to US-led banking systems are powerful tools, but overuse reduces their effectiveness over time, Congress told.

17 Apr 2026 - 4:57PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

US will help Peru ‘take back’ Chancay port from China, Congress chair says

Maria Elvira Salazar warns port’s ‘dual usage’ potential could enable Chinese submarines, carriers and warships to operate from Peru.

17 Apr 2026 - 6:01AM

Boats in the water, in front of cranes at the Chinese-built Chancay megaport operated by Cosco Shipping, in Chancay, Peru. Photo: Reuters

Americas and the Caribbean

Peru presidential run-off looms as Fujimori leads troubled vote

Daughter of former strongman is ahead in the race, but logistical issues have forced a one-day voting extension for tens of thousands.

13 Apr 2026 - 6:18PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

Chile exposes smuggling ring that shipped US$917m in stolen copper to China

Chilean investigators dismantled cross-border networks after one of largest organised crime operations in South American country’s history.

9 Apr 2026 - 6:04AMvideocam

Americas and the Caribbean

Peru set to choose from a bewildering array of 35 presidential hopefuls

Right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori holds first place ⁠in the polls ⁠one week before Peru’s presidential election.

8 Apr 2026 - 5:00PM

Peruvian presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori. Photo: Reuters

Americas and the Caribbean

1 dead in Peru football stadium tragedy, dozens injured

The Ministry of Health reported the collapse of a wall inside the stadium in the capital, but police and the Alianza Lima club denied this.

4 Apr 2026 - 8:44PM

A closed poster is seen at the entrance of the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in Peru, while police officers stand guard after a fatal accident. Photo: AFP

Aviation accidents

At least 66 dead as Colombia military plane crashes after take-off

Death toll rises from a Hercules C-130 transport plane crash deep in Colombia’s southern Amazon region.

24 Mar 2026 - 1:46PM

China-Latin America relations

China wants Brazil’s biggest port terminal. Washington just said no

US consul-general Kevin Murakami told port executives the Santos megadeal should not fall into ‘unwanted hands’.

17 Mar 2026 - 3:12AMvideocam

Crime

Peru officials say 3 arrested in nightclub bombing that injured dozens

Police in Trujillo move swiftly to detain suspects after a devastating IED blast at the Dalí nightclub.

9 Mar 2026 - 11:08AM

Closure notices at the entrance to the Dali nightclub following an explosion inside the venue. Photo: Provincial Municipality of Trujillo via AFP

Hong Kong tourism

Sky-high jump in airfares from Hong Kong to Europe, Americas – even Asian cities

Economy-class fares to Paris, Rome and New York surge while cheapest return flight to Tokyo costs nearly HK$5,000.

5 Mar 2026 - 6:12PMvideocam

The escalation of the conflict has thrown Middle Eastern airspace into chaos, grounding tens of thousands of flights and stranding passengers across major aviation hubs. Photo: Eugene Lee

China trade

Despite loss of Panama Canal, China investing US$23.9b in global seaports: study

Beijing funds 363 ports outside the Panama Canal to safeguard against East-West decoupling and US bid to curb China’s supply chain influence.

6 Mar 2026 - 10:20AMvideocam

Extreme weather

Record-breaking? El Nino may return in 2026, making planet even hotter

However, scientists say there’s a risk of 2026 being ‘the warmest year on record even without El Nino, due to the global warming trend’.

3 Mar 2026 - 2:28AMvideocam

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Peru

New ghost shark species may have been found in Costa Rica

Scientists say the latest discovery has a ‘shorter’ snout, a ‘darker coloration pattern’ and a ‘much longer spine on its dorsal fin’.

Japan’s detention system under scrutiny after ruling on abuse of restraints

Fujimori dynasty returns to Peru as ex-leader’s daughter wins presidency

Venezuela earthquakes draw aid from governments that cut ties with Caracas

Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and other governments that suspended relations with the country offer rescue teams and humanitarian aid.

Keiko Fujimori vows to unite a Peru ‘split in two’ as run-off lead holds

The presidential hopeful stopped short of declaring victory while securing what appears to be an insurmountable lead over Roberto Sanchez.

Keiko Fujimori edges closer to winning Peru’s presidency

Right-wing candidate secures a narrow, unbeatable margin over her rival as overseas ballots help push her over the line.

Why the US remains ‘fragmented’ in a critical copper clash against China

Washington’s efforts to rebuild the domestic copper industry are colliding with Chinese dominance in a metal central to advanced tech and defence systems.

Peru faces drawn-out count as presidential race goes down to the wire

Four-time candidate Keiko Fujimori is locked in a tight run-off with leftist rival Roberto Sanchez.

Pope Leo urges end to ‘polarising narratives’ on Spain visit

The pope says he hopes the week-long tour of Spain will set an example to the world about respecting ‘every human being’.

The new Panama? Why Nicaragua could be next front in US-China influence battle

Beijing could move to build an alternative to the Panama Canal in Nicaragua, before the US gets involved, scholar warns.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | What does a ‘strong, quiet, clear’ US mean for China and Asia?

The US defence secretary’s speech at an annual defence forum had fewer China attacks, no mention of Taiwan and a nebulous vow to be ‘strong, quiet, clear’.

Shadow of old dictatorship looms over Peru’s bitter run-off

Rival final rallies expose deep ideological divides as voters prepare to choose between a familiar name and a break with the past.

Peru’s leftist Sanchez to face Fujimori in presidential run-off

Official results emerged after a month-long count that has led to allegations of fraud in the politically turbulent South American nation.

Thailand vows strict tourist oversight after public sex incidents

The pledge followed a Monday incident in Phuket where a couple was found performing a sexual act in a popular tourist area.

Beijing backs Cuba, Chile reveals smuggling ring: Latin America relations reads

From a smuggling ring in Chile to rare earth wrangling in Brazil, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in April 2026.

Top Peru ministers quit in protest over stalled US F-16 jet deal

Peru’s interim president defers decision on the US$3.5 billion deal to his successor who will emerge from a run-off vote in June.

Why the biggest threat to US dollar dominance may well be Washington itself

Economic sanctions, access to US-led banking systems are powerful tools, but overuse reduces their effectiveness over time, Congress told.

US will help Peru ‘take back’ Chancay port from China, Congress chair says

Maria Elvira Salazar warns port’s ‘dual usage’ potential could enable Chinese submarines, carriers and warships to operate from Peru.

Peru presidential run-off looms as Fujimori leads troubled vote

Daughter of former strongman is ahead in the race, but logistical issues have forced a one-day voting extension for tens of thousands.

Chile exposes smuggling ring that shipped US$917m in stolen copper to China

Chilean investigators dismantled cross-border networks after one of largest organised crime operations in South American country’s history.

Peru set to choose from a bewildering array of 35 presidential hopefuls

Right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori holds first place ⁠in the polls ⁠one week before Peru’s presidential election.

1 dead in Peru football stadium tragedy, dozens injured

The Ministry of Health reported the collapse of a wall inside the stadium in the capital, but police and the Alianza Lima club denied this.

At least 66 dead as Colombia military plane crashes after take-off

Death toll rises from a Hercules C-130 transport plane crash deep in Colombia’s southern Amazon region.

China wants Brazil’s biggest port terminal. Washington just said no

US consul-general Kevin Murakami told port executives the Santos megadeal should not fall into ‘unwanted hands’.

Peru officials say 3 arrested in nightclub bombing that injured dozens

Police in Trujillo move swiftly to detain suspects after a devastating IED blast at the Dalí nightclub.

Sky-high jump in airfares from Hong Kong to Europe, Americas – even Asian cities

Economy-class fares to Paris, Rome and New York surge while cheapest return flight to Tokyo costs nearly HK$5,000.

Despite loss of Panama Canal, China investing US$23.9b in global seaports: study

Beijing funds 363 ports outside the Panama Canal to safeguard against East-West decoupling and US bid to curb China’s supply chain influence.

Record-breaking? El Nino may return in 2026, making planet even hotter

However, scientists say there’s a risk of 2026 being ‘the warmest year on record even without El Nino, due to the global warming trend’.

Opinion | What does a ‘strong, quiet, clear’ US mean for China and Asia?