The port opening in Chancay underscores China’s growing clout in a region that once looked primarily to the United States for economic opportunity.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Peruvian counterpart Dina Boluarte inaugurated a $1.3 billion port that could transform South American trade with Asia just as Beijing prepares for a potential trade war with the US.

Xi will participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima and then the Group of 20 summit in Rio de Janeiro next week. Xi will also conduct state visits to Peru