Peru's Controversy Over U.S. Military Purchases: President Wants to Delay, Defense and Foreign Ministers Resign

Peruvian President Boluarte recently announced the postponement of the purchase of F-16 fighter jets from the United States, prompting pressure from the U.S. side. Peruvian Defense Minister Carlos Díaz and Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela resigned on the 22nd in dissatisfaction with Boluarte's decision.

In a speech on the 22nd in the Peruvian capital Lima, Boluarte stated that matters related to the procurement of U.S. fighter jets would be decided by the new government, and the postponement of the purchase was to ensure that public funds are "used reasonably and appropriately," emphasizing that there is no intention to confront the United States.

According to Peruvian media reports, the two resigned senior officials stated that the contract for the F-16 fighter jet purchase had been signed, but Boluarte announced the postponement of the deal, leaving the decision to the new government. De Zela, in an interview, said that the postponement of the purchase "damages the country's credibility." Díaz stated that he resigned because he disagreed with the decision to suspend the procurement of the fighter jets, asserting that this procurement is related to "the strategic needs of national security and defense."

Boluarte had previously stated on the 17th that the military procurement project involves a huge amount, which would bring a "very heavy" debt burden to the country, suggesting that it should be handled by the new government. In response, U.S. Ambassador to Peru, Bernie Navarro, threatened on social media that if the Peruvian government lacks sincerity in negotiations with the United States and harms U.S. interests, he, as a representative of the Trump administration, "will use all available means" to respond.

In February of this year, former President Castillo was impeached by Congress, and then-Congress President Boluarte took over as president, leading the transitional government until the new president took office in July of this year. (Reporter: Liao Siwei; Video: Wang Yujue)