Chinese Mega-Port Sparks Controversy in Peruvian Fishing Town
A new $1.3 billion deep-water port, majority-owned by Chinese shipping giant Cosco, has officially opened in the Peruvian fishing town of Chancay, transforming the remote community into a key node in global trade, The Associated Press reports.
The inauguration ceremony, livestreamed to President Xi Jinping in Lima, featured a vibrant display of Chinese dancers and celebratory fanfare. However, the project’s arrival is met with significant opposition from residents who fear its detrimental impact on their livelihoods.
The port, expected to expand to 15 quays and a large industrial park over the next decade, is touted by the Peruvian government as a strategic hub connecting South America to Asia, boosting exports of goods like blueberries, soybeans, and copper. Officials predict millions of dollars in revenue and the creation of special economic zones.
But for Chancay’s 60,000 residents, many of whom lack access to basic amenities like running water, the reality is far less rosy. Fishermen report drastically reduced catches, blaming the port’s dredging for destroying fish breeding grounds. The construction has also impacted tourism, with the breakwater altering currents and ruining popular surf spots, leaving local businesses struggling. Empty seafood restaurants serve as a stark reminder of the economic hardship.
“No to the megaport,” reads graffiti on a wall overlooking the waterfront, reflecting the widespread discontent. Concerns extend beyond fishing, with residents fearing increased pollution and the risk of oil spills, following a devastating 2022 spill at a nearby refinery.
