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Peru to join US anti-drug coalition 'Shield of the Americas' after Rubio visit
Reuters • • nation
Key Points:
- Peru will join the U.S.-led "Shield of the Americas" coalition to enhance intelligence-sharing and joint actions against drug cartels, announced President Keiko Fujimori during U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit.
- Rubio emphasized the importance of U.S. involvement in Latin America for regional security and prosperity, marking the highest-level U.S. visit to Peru since 2025.
- The move reflects Washington's strategy to strengthen security and trade ties with conservative Latin American governments while countering China's growing influence in the region.
- Peru, a major copper producer and designated a major non-NATO ally by the U.S., is also negotiating relief from increased U.S. tariffs that have impacted its agricultural exports.
- Despite closer U.S. ties, Peru's trade with China continues to grow rapidly, with bilateral trade surpassing U.S. trade and China expanding its presence in Peru's mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors.
