Peru Joins U.S.-Led Escudo das Américas

Overview

• President Keiko Fujimori announced on Thursday in Lima that Peru will join the Escudo das Américas after meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
• Fujimori said membership will speed intelligence sharing and enable more coordinated cross‑border responses to drug cartels and transnational criminal groups.
• Rubio framed the visit as a shift to give the hemisphere a 'real priority' and said U.S. cooperation will extend beyond security to trade and economic ties.
• U.S. officials declined to directly answer questions about Chinese investment in Peru, including the Chancay port, while Peru stresses it will keep broad commercial relations.
• The decision builds on earlier U.S. steps this year, including Peru's Major Non‑NATO Ally designation and a State Department approval of a possible $1.5 billion military sale tied to Callao base work.