January 23rd, 2026 - Peru President Faces Impeachment Over Secret Meetings With Chinese Businessmen

In Peru, the country's current president, José Jerí, has found himself at the center of a growing political scandal following the leak of videos showing him meeting with Chinese businessman Yang Zhihua. These videos, released this month, show Jerí engaging with Yang in multiple locations, including a restaurant and a corner store in Lima. The recordings have led to accusations of corruption and have stirred political unrest, prompting calls for his impeachment. Despite these serious allegations, Jerí has denied any wrongdoing, defending his actions as personal and unrelated to his presidential duties.

The controversy centers on Jerí’s ties to Yang, a businessman with numerous enterprises in Peru, some of which have been the subject of scrutiny. The leaked footage shows Jerí arriving at one of Yang’s properties and engaging in heated conversations on the phone. Jerí has admitted that the videos are real but has downplayed their significance, claiming that his visits were casual and not linked to his presidency’s official activities. However, his critics are unconvinced, arguing that his interactions with Yang could be a sign of corruption.

The situation intensified when Peruvian lawmakers began calling for Jerí’s impeachment. So far, at least 20 lawmakers have backed motions for his removal from office, with more expected to join. The accusations have caught the attention of both domestic and international authorities, with the public eagerly awaiting further investigation. Meanwhile, the country’s prosecutors have opened a graft investigation into the president's dealings with Yang.

Jerí’s defense has centered around his long-standing personal relationship with Yang, whom he refers to as “Johnny.” He insists that his actions were not politically motivated and that any meetings were personal in nature. The president has also faced scrutiny over his failure to disclose these meetings, which, according to Peruvian law, is a requirement for all official presidential activities. Despite the mounting pressure, Jerí has maintained that the allegations are politically motivated, aimed at undermining his administration's progress.

Peru’s relationship with China has grown significantly in recent years, with Chinese companies heavily involved in the country’s infrastructure projects. This growing influence has raised suspicions among critics, who fear that political leaders are selling out the nation’s sovereignty to foreign interests. Some of Jerí’s political allies have suggested that the controversy surrounding him may be a result of tensions between the United States and China, particularly in light of Jerí’s efforts to strengthen ties with Washington.

Despite the backlash, Jerí remains defiant, urging lawmakers to release any further videos they might have to fully expose the truth. His insistence on transparency has done little to quell the calls for his resignation, as Peruvians continue to demand accountability. As the investigation unfolds, the future of Jerí’s presidency remains uncertain, and the political fallout is likely to shape the upcoming elections, which are already stirring heated debate.

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster) - Astrolabe (noun, A-struh-layb) - An astrolabe is a compact instrument used to observe and calculate the position of celestial bodies before the invention of the sextant.

Example: The new astronomy exhibit featured various gadgets and instruments, including an extensive collection of astrolabes.

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