Peru’s President José Jeri has been embroiled in a new political scandal after it emerged that he held private, undisclosed meetings with a Chinese businessman during an unofficial trip.
The controversy stems from Jeri’s failure to include meetings with businessman Yang Zhihua on the official presidential agenda, a breach of customary transparency that has fueled concerns over possible corruption. Local media report that Jeri met Yang on December 26 and again on January 6. Yang owns retail businesses in Peru and holds a concession for an energy project; one of his companies was later ordered shut by Lima authorities for selling illegal goods. Jeri publicly apologized for the December meeting, saying it took place at a Chinese restaurant to coordinate events marking Peru–China friendship, and denied receiving any improper requests.
The revelations have triggered a preliminary investigation by prosecutors. Opposition lawmakers have announced plans to pursue impeachment or a censure motion, though analysts say Jeri’s removal is unlikely. Despite his approval rating falling to 44 percent in January, it remains relatively strong, and many legislators—focused on reelection ahead of April elections—are expected to favor political stability over removing the president.
Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), January 21, 2026
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202601210021.aspx