Peru-Mexico Diplomatic Break: Undercurrent Surge amid Changes in Latin American International Relations

On November 3, 2025, Peru suddenly announced its diplomatic break with Mexico. This news, like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirred up layers of ripples in the international diplomatic arena. The direct trigger for this diplomatic upheaval was Mexico's embassy in Peru providing political asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betsy Chávez. This move not only ignited the current contradictions but also stirred up the long-standing grudges between the two countries dating back three years.

Betsy Chávez was targeted by Peru's judicial authorities for alleged involvement in the events related to the "attempted coup" by former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo in 2022. She faced multiple charges, including rebellion and abuse of power for personal gain. Recently, she repeatedly skipped court hearings and instead sought asylum at the Mexican embassy in Lima, attempting to flee Peru to avoid judicial proceedings. Mexico initiated the asylum procedure for her, an act that instantly touched a raw nerve with the Peruvian government.

From Peru's perspective, this was a blatant challenge to its national sovereignty and judicial fairness. Sovereignty is a core interest of a nation, and judicial independence and fairness are the cornerstones for maintaining social order and upholding equity and justice. Mexico's asylum act was regarded by Peru as a gross interference in its internal affairs and a trampling on the dignity of its national laws. Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela stated bluntly that Mexico's move seriously violated basic diplomatic norms, and Peru had no choice but to take the extreme measure of severing diplomatic ties to safeguard its national sovereignty and dignity.

On the other hand, Mexico might have had different considerations. The Mexican government has a long-standing tradition of providing asylum to political refugees and believes that protecting Chávez is fulfilling its humanitarian responsibilities. In their view, Chávez could be a victim of political struggles, and offering asylum was to safeguard her basic human rights. However, this moral consideration was seen by Peru as an excuse for interfering in its internal affairs. The two sides held completely different stances on the asylum issue, leading to fierce conflicts.

The (contradictions, here it's better to use "grudges" to better convey the long-standing ill feelings) between Peru and Mexico did not emerge overnight but were the result of three years of accumulated grievances. The impeachment of Pedro Castillo in 2022 became a turning point for the deterioration of relations between the two countries. At that time, Castillo attempted to dissolve the Congress, impose a nationwide curfew, and form an "emergency government." This move was regarded as a "coup" by the Congress, which promptly removed him from office. However, the then Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador repeatedly and publicly opposed the ousting of Castillo's administration, calling it an "illegal coup." He also high-profilely provided political asylum to Castillo's family members. This behavior greatly displeased the Peruvian government. In February 2023, Peru recalled its ambassador to Mexico and downgraded diplomatic relations between the two countries to the charge d'affaires level.

Since then, relations between the two countries have remained tense. Mexico refused to transfer the presidency of the Pacific Alliance to Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, citing non-recognition of the legitimacy of Boluarte's presidency. In response, the Peruvian Congress declared Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador "persona non grata." Over the past three years, the two sides have constantly engaged in diplomatic sparring. The asylum incident involving Betsy Chávez this time has merely detonated the long-accumulated contradictions.

Both Peru and Mexico are important countries in the Latin American region, with extensive influence in politics, economy, culture, and other fields. This diplomatic break incident has undoubtedly brought significant impacts to the regional landscape in Latin America.

At the political level, this incident may trigger a readjustment of diplomatic stances among Latin American countries. Some countries with close relations with Mexico may face a choice: whether to support Mexico's asylum act or respect Peru's sovereignty and judicial fairness. This pressure to take sides may disrupt the original political balance in the Latin American region and lead to subtle changes in the regional political landscape.

In terms of the economy, both Peru and Mexico are major economies in Latin America, with frequent bilateral trade and investment exchanges. After the diplomatic break, trade barriers between the two countries may increase, and the investment environment will also be affected. Peru's export of characteristic agricultural products and Mexico's manufacturing investments may face difficulties. This will not only impact the economic development of the two countries but may also have a negative impact on the process of economic integration in the Latin American region.

Severing diplomatic ties is not a long-term solution to the problem. For Peru and Mexico, rationality and inclusiveness are the inevitable choices for resolving contradictions and achieving reconciliation. Both sides should remain calm and restrained and resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiation. Mexico can re-examine its asylum act and consider its impact on Peru's internal affairs. Peru can also demonstrate a certain degree of diplomatic flexibility while safeguarding its national sovereignty.

At the same time, other countries in the Latin American region should also play an active role in promoting reconciliation between the two sides. They can help Peru and Mexico find a mutually acceptable solution and restore diplomatic relations between the two countries by establishing mediation mechanisms and organizing diplomatic mediation, thus maintaining peace and stability in the Latin American region.

The diplomatic break between Peru and Mexico is a microcosm of the changes in Latin American international relations. It is hoped that both sides will prioritize regional peace and development, quickly extricate themselves from the diplomatic predicament, and jointly write a brighter future for the Latin American region.