Overview
- The presidency submitted a formal travel request on November 9 asking permission for Keiko Fujimori to travel from November 15 to 21 for APEC and bilateral visits to China and Japan.
- The itinerary published with the request shows arrival in Shenzhen on November 17 for a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, APEC engagement on November 18–19, and meetings in Tokyo before a November 21 return to Lima.
- Fujimori and Prime Minister Luis Galarreta defended the trip as official business, saying they tried to coordinate with the Vatican’s Nunciature and that the president will attend initial papal events but cannot stay until the pope’s final day.
- Critics have questioned the timing and symbolism of the absence during Pope León XIV’s visit, and the government says the trip is needed to seek donations for COVID relief and support to face El Niño and to promote trade and investment.
- The formal oficio and itinerary anchor the trip in procedure, and the episode could deepen partisan scrutiny of Fujimori’s schedule while producing tangible outcomes to watch for such as pledged aid, bilateral commitments after the Xi meeting, and political fallout at home.