Peru Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Mexico Over Asylum for Ex-PM

Peru has severed diplomatic relations with Mexico following Mexico's decision to grant asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, who faces serious legal charges in Peru. This move marks a significant escalation in the diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

On November 3, 2025, Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela announced the termination of diplomatic ties, citing Mexico's asylum offer to Chávez as an "unfriendly act" and accusing Mexico of repeated interference in Peru's internal affairs. De Zela stated, "Today we learned with surprise and deep regret that former Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, the alleged co-author of the coup d’état attempted by former President Pedro Castillo, is being granted asylum at the residence of the Mexican Embassy in Peru."

Betssy Chávez served as Prime Minister under President Pedro Castillo, who was ousted in December 2022 after attempting to dissolve Congress and declare a state of emergency. Chávez is accused of participating in this failed coup and faces charges of rebellion and conspiracy, with prosecutors seeking a 25-year prison sentence. After being released on bail in September 2025, Chávez sought refuge in the Mexican embassy in Lima.

In response to Peru's actions, Mexico's Foreign Ministry defended its decision, stating it was in line with international law, specifically the 1954 Caracas Convention, which both countries are party to. The ministry emphasized that granting asylum cannot be considered an unfriendly act by another state.

The diplomatic rift deepened on November 6, 2025, when Peru's Congress declared Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum "persona non grata," further escalating tensions. The declaration was adopted with 63 votes in favor, 34 against, and two absentee votes. Peruvian lawmakers accused Sheinbaum of maintaining a hostile position towards Peru since taking office in 2024 by backing former President Castillo.

This is not the first instance of diplomatic tension between Peru and Mexico. In December 2022, Peru expelled Mexico's ambassador after Mexico granted asylum to Castillo's wife and children. Additionally, in February 2023, Peru temporarily recalled its ambassador to Mexico City, accusing then-President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of meddling in its internal affairs.

Despite the severance of diplomatic ties, Peru aims to preserve its economic relations with Mexico. The two countries share over $2.5 billion in bilateral trade and are both members of the Pacific Alliance, a regional trade bloc.

The situation remains fluid, with Chávez still residing in the Mexican embassy in Lima. Peru has not yet granted her safe passage to leave the country, and legal experts are urgently reviewing the 1954 Caracas Convention to determine the appropriate course of action.

This diplomatic crisis underscores the complex interplay between legal proceedings, international law, and diplomatic relations, highlighting the challenges nations face in balancing domestic legal actions with international diplomatic norms.