On October 18th, during an interview, Deng Zhentang, a director of the Peruvian Chinese Tonghui Association and the president of the Peruvian Chinese Commercial Newspaper, shared insights on the significant contributions of the Chinese-Peruvian community to Peru. “Today, Chinese Peruvians have become an integral part of Peruvian society, achieving remarkable success in politics, economics, and culture. The Chinese community’s presence in Peru is solid, playing a positive role in the development of Sino-Peruvian relations,” he stated.
The interview coincided with a recent event organized by the Peru Chinese Association to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the arrival of the first Chinese immigrants in the Port of Callao, Lima. Representatives from the Peruvian government, the Peruvian Chinese Tonghui Association, and various Chinese organizations were present at the celebration.
Historical records indicate that in 1849, the first group of 75 “contract laborers” arrived in Peru aboard the Danish ship “Federico Guillermo” after a challenging 120-day journey. This marked the beginning of the arduous entrepreneurial journey for the Chinese in South America.
Deng explained that most of the initial “contract laborers” came from Guangdong Province, where they were employed in sugarcane and cotton plantations, as well as on guano islands, performing strenuous physical labor. Beyond agriculture, Chinese laborers were involved in railway construction and mining, taking on extremely difficult and risky jobs, particularly in the construction of the Central Andean Railway.
“In 1874, the Qing government signed a treaty with Peru to halt the influx of ‘contract laborers,’ which provided a certain legal protection for the Chinese community’s status in Peru,” Deng elaborated. With the end of the contract labor system, a new wave of free immigrants arrived in the early 20th century, gradually integrating into local society by establishing businesses and restaurants, particularly in Lima’s Chinatown, thereby laying the cultural and commercial foundations for the Chinese community.
Through generations of hard work, the Chinese community has not only made significant economic contributions but has also deeply influenced Peruvian society through food, culture, and business activities. “A prominent example is ‘CHIFA’ cuisine, which represents the fusion of Chinese and Peruvian culinary traditions and has become a part of Peru’s food culture,” Deng noted.
He also shared that during the early days of Chinese immigration to Peru, many contract laborers faced harsh working conditions and unfair treatment. The Peruvian Chinese Tonghui Association, as the largest Chinese community organization, provided legal support to workers, helping to resolve labor disputes and uphold their rights. “Even today, when Chinese immigrants encounter problems, the association tirelessly assists them in finding solutions and fighting for their rights and social respect,” Deng affirmed.
Meng Kexin, editor-in-chief of the Peruvian Gongyan Newspaper, emphasized the significance of this 175th anniversary for the Chinese community in Peru. He reflected on how the Chinese evolved from being viewed as a lower-class labor force to earning respect in Peruvian society, thanks to their resilience, kindness, and intelligence, ultimately creating new opportunities in the country.
Examples of notable contributions include Dai Zonghan, who invented a method that greatly increased rice production and received a Peruvian government medal; Liu Jinliang, a dedicated benefactor who donated properties to multiple Chinese organizations; and He Lianxiang, a key figure promoting Sino-Peruvian economic cooperation and cultural exchange. Meng expressed pride in the patriotic spirit of Chinese Peruvians across various fields, highlighting the valuable legacy they have created.
According to Meng, the Chinese community’s perseverance over 175 years has led to significant achievements in politics, business, culture, and science in Peru, fostering enthusiasm for developing relations with China. For instance, the Peruvian Congress has designated February 1st as Sino-Peruvian Friendship Day, and locals often refer to Chinese friends as “compatriots” in Spanish.
Moreover, Meng pointed out that the celebration of traditional Chinese festivals by the community serves to showcase Chinese culture. “These events not only strengthen the cohesion of the Chinese community but also attract considerable participation and interest from the local Peruvian population, enhancing understanding and cultural exchange between our two peoples,” he said.
Deng further noted the extensive trade networks built by the Chinese community in Peru, which serve as a bridge for trade cooperation between China and Peru. Chinese businesses have played a significant role in increasing bilateral trade by importing Chinese goods and exporting Peruvian specialties, particularly in the restaurant and retail sectors.
Looking forward, Deng expressed excitement about the upcoming APEC summit to be held in Peru in November. He is optimistic that the joint construction of key projects, such as the Qianqi Port under the Belt and Road Initiative, will further deepen cooperation between the two countries in minerals, energy, and agriculture.
