US' Rubio announces Peru’s inclusion in Americas Shield ahead of visit
Secretary of state links initiative to fight crime and narcoterrorism, warns of China’s growing influence in region
On the eve of visiting the country, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Tuesday that Peru will join the Americas Shield, a regional security initiative promoted by President Donald Trump to coordinate efforts against transnational criminal organizations.
“We are synchronizing efforts to protect our hemisphere from transnational and regional threats, welcoming Peru — which is now an important major non-NATO ally — into the Americas Shield,” he wrote.
Rubio made the announcement in guest op-ed for Peruvian daily El Comercio, one day before his scheduled visit to Lima as part of a three-country Latin American tour.
He said the US is working with Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru to strengthen security, promote economic growth, and ensure that the future of the region remains under the sovereign control of each country.
He said criminal groups undermine the rule of law, corrupt public institutions, recruit children, and discourage legitimate investment.
Rubio also highlighted economic cooperation between the US and Peru, particularly in critical minerals.
This February the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on critical minerals, he said.
Following the pact, the US International Development Finance Corporation allocated $5 million directly to Peru’s mining sector, Rubio said.
He also warned of China’s growing economic presence in the Western Hemisphere, saying actors backed by Beijing enter the region with promises that conceal what he called “predatory practices.”
“Projects backed by the Chinese Communist Party bypass Peru’s legal frameworks,” Rubio wrote.
Rubio contrasted Chinese-backed projects with US private sector investment, which he said provides open, market-driven opportunities while preserving Peruvian ownership.
Rubio’s visit to Peru comes as Washington seeks to deepen security and economic cooperation with regional partners and strengthen efforts to counter transnational criminal organizations.
