Aráoz advocates for strengthening the bilateral relationship with China.

The recent announcement of an official trip by President Boluarte to China has generated various opinions and reflections regarding the bilateral relationship between Peru and the Asian giant. In this context, former Vice President Mercedes Aráoz has shared her vision on the importance of strengthening ties with China, emphasizing the relevance of a predictable and stable foreign policy that contributes to the country's development through international cooperation. Aráoz, who had the opportunity to accompany former President Alan García on his official visit to China in 2008, recalls the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between the two countries as a milestone in bilateral relations. This agreement, which established a framework for cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, science, and technology, has been continued by subsequent presidents, demonstrating the importance and continuity of the bilateral relationship. The former Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism highlights that the close relationship with China is one of the few state policies that has been maintained throughout changes of government and political instability in the country. This policy is based on principles of neutrality, friendship, and political and economic openness with other nations, promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual respect in Peruvian foreign policy. With the upcoming APEC leaders' meeting in November, where the presence of President Xi Jinping in Peru is expected to inaugurate the first stage of the Chancay Megaport, Aráoz emphasizes the importance of strengthening the bilateral relationship. In this sense, she proposes establishing more precise objectives in terms of economic cooperation, transparent rules, and investment commitments that boost the development of both countries. To achieve greater diversification of Peruvian exports to China, Aráoz emphasizes the need to address issues such as mutual recognition of sanitary and phytosanitary decisions, as well as the harmonization of rules to limit non-tariff barriers. She also highlights the importance of strengthening the customs agreement to avoid unfair trade practices, ensuring a fair exchange between both nations. Furthermore, the former Vice President calls on the Peruvian government to outline clear policy guidelines for the country's development, promoting investment in infrastructure and technological advancement in sectors such as telecommunications. She also emphasizes the importance of inclusive regulations for Special Economic Zones, fostering development in regions beyond Lima and incentivizing educational meritocracy to generate the human capital necessary for the 21st century. In this regard, Aráoz emphasizes the need to improve the quality of public spending, ensuring that foreign investments contribute to improving the quality of life of the Peruvian population. Only through efficient and transparent management, as well as clear and consistent policies, can Peru fully leverage cooperation opportunities with China and other countries, promoting its economic and social development sustainably in a changing global context.