A local man of Lima hold hand-waved flags of China and Peru to welcome Chinese friends on November 12, 2024 local time. Photo: Wang Qi/GT

With the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting underway in Lima, politicians, business leaders, and journalists from around the world have traveled to Peru for this grand multilateral event. 

Despite the long, over-30-hour flight from Beijing to Lima, covering about 16,000 kilometers between the two countries, the warm hospitality and friendliness of the Peruvian people from the moment they stepped off the plane quickly eased the reporters' fatigue and travel weariness. 

Interactions with local people from all walks of life, despite language barriers in Spanish and English, convinced the reporters that the long-lasting friendship and heartfelt bond between China and Peru existing across the mountains and seas.

Reflecting the deep bond between China and Peru, locals were quick to share their connections to China and extend warm welcome to Chinese guests once they heard reporters are from China. An APEC Peru 2024 worker at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport told the Global Times his grandmother was Cantonese, and although he hasn't been to China, he feels "close to China."

Another hotel staff member named Sergio told the Global Times that China is seen as a very friendly country in Peru with a rich historical tradition, and he added that he enjoys watching Chinese kung fu films.

Walking down the street, it's not uncommon to see locals waving to reporters and saying words like "hola," "amigo." 

Melendez Gomez Martin Armando, a tour guide from Lima Highlights Tours, told the Global Times that "we have a lot of influence of China, in the culture and cuisine."

Armando also noted Chinese leader's state visit to Peru and the possible inauguration of Chancay Port, a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative, which he said would become an entry point for Chinese imports to Peru. 

"Welcome to Peru," he said.

Peru is one of the Latin American countries where Chinese immigrants first arrived and settled in large numbers. Peru was one of the first Latin American countries to establish diplomatic relations and a comprehensive strategic partnership with the People's Republic of China. It was also the first Latin American country to sign a package of free trade agreements with China.

In 2019, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on Belt and Road Initiative cooperation, which has led to fruitful results and closer collaboration in areas such as the economy, trade, finance, and culture.

In addition to growing cooperation, there were also vivid displays of the deep historical bonds shared by the two countries on the streets of Lima on Tuesday.

At the Plaza San Martin, when reporters held up a hand-held Chinese flag, a local came over and said, "I love this."

"I love China, I love my Chinese friends, I love Chinese food too… we have hundreds of restaurants here called Chifa," Juan said, noting that he also expects better business connection with China.  

"Chifa," a word that originated from the Cantonese dialect for "having meals," has become the term that Peruvians use to refer to Chinese restaurants.

When asked about his impression of China, Julio, another local in Lima, smiled and said in a mix of English and Spanish, 'beautiful, good technology, and Chancay Port." 

At the El Parque Chino (the Chinese Park), which is designed to reflect the connection between Peru and China, with decorations and elements from traditional Chinese Garden, local man Johnny Aliaga told the reporter that China's economy has risen to the second largest in the world. 

When asked about using three words to describe China, Aliaga's answer is "big, technology and prosperity." 

He said China-Peru ties strengthening across various sectors, and the two countries will grow even closer in the future.