Peruvian interim President José Jerí is facing increasing scrutiny and a potential motion for removal from office following reports of previously undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang. Lawmakers have already begun gathering signatures for a “vacancia” – a process to vacate the presidency – amidst concerns over transparency and potential conflicts of interest [[1]]. The controversy centers around secretive late-night and daytime encounters,captured on security footage,raising questions about the nature of the relationship and potential undue influence.
Peruvian interim President José Jerí is facing potential removal from office following reports of clandestine meetings with Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang.
According to reports in La República, the Peruvian Congress is gathering signatures for a motion of vacancy – a process to remove the president from power. Some lawmakers are also seeking a vote of censure against the directing board.
Peruvian television news reported that on December 26, shortly before midnight, Jerí arrived at a restaurant owned by Yang wearing a hood in an apparent attempt to avoid recognition.
The president’s efforts to remain undetected drew attention, despite arriving in an official vehicle with a security detail.
Jerí initially stated he was invited to discuss preparations for Peru-China Friendship Day. He later acknowledged that his Minister of the Interior, Vicente Tiburcio, also attended the meeting.
Controversy Surrounds José Jerí
The situation escalated on Sunday, January 6, when Jerí visited a Chinese product store owned by Yang in downtown Lima, arriving in the late afternoon while wearing sunglasses. The store had been closed earlier that day by municipal authorities.
Security camera footage shows Jerí, wearing an Air Force jacket with his name on it, interacting with Yang while speaking on his phone. Yang is seen smiling in response.
Without an agenda, without a record and outside the Presidential Palace. Images show President José Jerí meeting with a Chinese businessman at a private location in downtown Lima
Find the reports and interviews from the program HERE ► https://t.co/T3blzG3s0R pic.twitter.com/HdWBS721ag
— Cuarto Poder (@Cuarto_Poder) January 19, 2026
After the images from the store were set to be released, Jerí posted a video on social media around 2:00 a.m. on Sunday acknowledging his presence at the store with the minister, admitting his actions were inappropriate, and again denying any involvement in illicit activities.
According to the television program, the restaurant meeting may have concerned a potential contract to install surveillance cameras on urban buses, a deal that would allegedly be awarded without a public bidding process under the guise of an emergency measure to combat crime.
The Chinese businessman, who local media also links to the brother of former President Dina Boluarte, manages a hydroelectric plant, a construction company, and a Chinese product import business, all sharing the same registered address as the restaurant where the meeting took place.
The episode involving Jerí has drawn comparisons to similar meetings held by former leftist President Pedro Castillo (2021-2022) with business leaders outside official channels, which ultimately led to a motion for his removal from office. The current situation underscores the political instability that has plagued Peru in recent years.
@presidenciaperu To the public. #Statement #JoséJerí #PeruFullSpeedAhead
