Peruvian FM Carlos Espá summoned by Congress over Shield plan

A group of senators in the Peruvian Congress introduced a proposal demanding that Foreign Minister Carlos Espá appear before the legislature to explain the government's intention to join the "Shield of the Americas," a security initiative launched by the United States to combat transnational crime. The senators, led by opposition lawmaker Ruth Luque, said the appearance is needed to clarify the legal implications, international commitments, and compatibility of the accession with Peru's constitution and sovereignty.

Espá had previously stated that Peru is "ready" to become part of the Shield. Critics argue that his long career in the U.S. embassy and his anti‑China stance could steer Peru’s foreign policy toward Washington at the expense of trade ties with China, a major market for Peruvian agricultural exports and imported machinery. Editorial commentary warned that aligning with the U.S.‑led security pact might jeopardize existing economic relationships and raise concerns about the independence of Peru’s diplomatic decisions.