Peruvian fishermen call for cancellation of president Xi Jinping’s visit and announce protests

Peruvian artisanal fishermen have called for the cancellation of chinese president Xi Jinping’s visit, scheduled for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit from November 10 to 16. They claim that China is responsible for the collapse of the giant squid fishery in 2024, which has left thousands of workers unemployed.

The fishermen accuse peruvian authorities of ignoring illegal fishing by chinese boats in 2023 and 2024, which has violated monitoring regulations. Due to this lack of control, they are considering declaring the Chinese president “persona no grata” and have announced protests and a national strike starting in September unless corrective measures are taken to protect the Peruvian sea.

Paita, one of Peru’s most important ports for artisanal fishing, has seen rising tensions between local fishermen and chinese vessels. Elsa Vega, President of the National Society of Artisanal Fishing (SONAPESCAL), has reported that Chinese boats are refusing to install the Satellite Tracking System mandated by the Ministry of Production (Produce), despite being legally required to do so. This omission, systematically permitted by Peruvian authorities since 2023, has allowed over 300 Chinese vessels to enter Peruvian ports irregularly.

Vega also criticized Minister of Production Sergio González Guerrero for failing to fulfill his promise to issue a decree to strengthen controls. The lack of action has intensified the unrest among fishermen, who fear social conflict. Vega has requested an urgent meeting with president Dina Boluarte to address the situation and expedite the publication of the decree