Rubio confirms Peru joins Americas Shield; China pushes back on Lima criticism

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Peru's entry into the Americas Shield initiative, a move that sharpens US-China competition in Latin America. The Chinese embassy in Lima responded by touting visa-free travel for Peruvians and defending its regional role, signaling diplomatic friction. The development underscores Peru's alignment shift amid great-power rivalry, though the scope of Americas Shield commitments remains unclear.