Recently, the Joint Statement of the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Peru on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was issued in Lima, the capital of Peru. Sub-national exchanges were included as a significant aspect of the statement. In recent years, riding the momentum of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between China and Peru, Beijing and Peru have deepened mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as culture and education, writing a story of friendly sub-national exchanges between China and Peru despite the geographical distance.

A New Chapter in Sister City Exchanges in Lima

Lima, the capital of Peru, is Beijing’s first sister city in Latin America. Their relationship has lasted over forty years since it began in November 1983. With deepened friendly cooperation between China and Peru, an increasing number of Beijing’s artistic works have been introduced to Peru through Lima.

In 2024, a Loong-themed pop-up event was held on the streets of Lima during Chinese New Year (Video clips based on content from the official WeChat account of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism)

In February 2024, a celebration was held at Lima’s China Park to mark the Spring Festival of the Year of Loong. Artists from Beijing presented a distinct and captivating cultural performance to the residents of Lima, featuring dragon and lion dances, traditional Chinese music ensembles, and Chinese-style dances. These performances vividly showcased the unique charm of Chinese traditional culture and the global appeal of Beijing, a city that seamlessly combines tradition and modernity. In November 2024, the Chinese Cinema Festival opened in Lima, featuring acclaimed  Beijing-produced films such as Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms and Ride On. These films not only deepened local citizens’ understanding of Beijing cinema but also brought vibrant Chinese stories to life.

On November 6, 2024, the Chinese Cinema Festival opened in Lima, Peru (Photo source: Beijing International Film Festival)

Rafael López Aliaga, Mayor of Lima, stated that both China and Peru, both ancient civilizations, share deeply intertwined cultures. Lima looks forward to deepening cultural exchanges and mutual learning with Beijing, and to playing its role as the capital in cementing the friendship between the two countries.

Miraculous Transformation of the Fishing Village – Marcona

Marcona, located 500 kilometers south of Lima in the Ica Province, lies to the west of the Pacific Ocean. Over half a century ago, it was merely a sparsely populated fishing village. In December 1992, the Shougang Group invested in Peru’s iron ore mines, becoming the first large Chinese enterprise to make a tangible investment in Latin America. Over the past 32 years, Shougang Hierro Perú S.A.A. has produced more than 200 million tons of ore, generating significant socio-economic benefits.

Expansion Project of Shougang Hierro Perú S.A.A. (Photo source: China 19th Metallurgical Group Corp. Ltd.)

In addition, Shougang Hierro Perú S.A.A. has actively taken on social responsibilities, providing local people with water, electricity, internet access, renovated classrooms, new sports stadiums, and sewage treatment plants. Today, Marcona has developed into a well-equipped small city, with Shougang Hierro Perú S.A.A. serving as a landmark project of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between China and Peru. Local residents, when interviewed, said, “Shougang Hierro Perú S.A.A. has changed our lives – no more pollution, and now we have electricity and fresh water. We hope that our children will also have the opportunity to work for Chinese companies in the future.”

Kids Friendship Cup Football Match hosted by Shougang Hierro Perú S.A.A. (Photo source: official website of Shougang Hierro Perú S.A.A.)

Building a Bridge of Language and Culture in Piura

Established in 2009, the Confucius Institute at the University of Piura is the first of its kind in northern Peru, jointly operated by Capital Normal University (CNU) and the University of Piura. Over the past 15 years, more than 4,300 Peruvian students have studied Chinese and learned about Chinese history and culture here. Many have gone on to pursue further studies at CNU, expanding their career opportunities and, in doing so, becoming unofficial ambassadors of the China-Peru friendship.

CNU Hosted 2024 “Chinese Bridge” Summer Camp at Confucius Institute of the University of Piura (Photo source: official website of College of International Education, CNU)

In 2024, the Confucius Institute hosted a series of events, including the exhibition “The Vast and Mighty River of Civilization: Mutual Learning Between China and Latin America”, as well as Chinese cultural experience courses and Chinese tea gatherings. These featured engaging activities such as pitch-pot, playing jianzi (shuttlecock kicking), fan dance, Chinese knot tying, calligraphy, poetry appreciation, tea tasting, and film watching. University students and local residents experienced firsthand the vibrant and charming Chinese culture. William Jimenez, the Local Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Piura, expressed great pride in having established the Confucius Institute as a center for spreading Chinese culture. “Beyond Chinese language programs, we also have cultural activities and encourage exchange among researchers, teachers, and students. Through these efforts, we have built a bridge between China and Peru, fostering mutual understanding and respect.”

15th Anniversary of the Confucius Institute at the University of Piura (Photo source: the Confucius Institute of the University of Piura, Peru)

“The enduring China-Peru friendship is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people”. As Beijing flourishes amidst the golden hues of autumn, Peru, in the Southern Hemisphere, welcomes the vibrant early summer. This mirrors the exchanges between Beijing and Peru across various fields. Going forward, we will continue to write a new chapter in sub-national cooperation and contribute to the further flourishing of China-Peru friendship.