Ports, Power and Perception: Narratives of China-Peru Relations on the Port of Chancay in Peru

Abstract

This thesis examines how the Port of Chancay is a case study for understanding China–Peru relations and the broader political meaning of Chinese infrastructure investment in Latin America. It addresses the puzzle of why Peru exhibits relatively favorable perceptions of Chinese investment despite its historical experience with economic dependency on external powers and the growing global concern over China’s strategic influence. In this context, it asks which narratives shape Peruvian discourse about China in the context of the Port of Chancay and how competing interpretations are constructed and prioritized, focusing on three recurring themes: development, sovereignty, and geopolitics. The thesis argues that development-oriented narratives dominate Peruvian discourse surrounding the Port of Chancay, while concerns related to sovereignty, dependency, and geopolitical competition remain present but secondary. Rather than being interpreted primarily through a security or strategic lens, Chinese investment is largely framed as an economic opportunity tied to growth, modernization, and trade connectivity. This dominant interpretation reflects domestic development priorities, positive public perceptions of China, and Peru’s broader openness to foreign investment. Methodologically, the study combines qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with policymakers, journalists, academics, diplomats, and industry figures with a discourse analysis of Peruvian media coverage. The findings show that the Port of Chancay is consistently presented as a project of economic opportunity and national progress, even as concerns related to regulatory oversight, foreign ownership, and economic dependence persist. Geopolitical narratives are present but are driven more strongly by external actors—especially the United States—than by domestic debate. The thesis concludes that the port functions not only as a material infrastructure project, but also as a discursive arena in which competing visions of development and global engagement are negotiated. These findings suggest that Peruvian policymakers should strengthen institutional oversight, transparency, and long-term development planning to ensure that infrastructure investment contributes to sustainable growth while mitigating potential vulnerabilities.