Peru’s interim President José Jerí on Wednesday offered inconsistent explanations over unregistered meetings with two Chinese business owners who are subject to ongoing legal investigations.

According to media reports, the meetings include an unregistered encounter with businessman Zhihua Yang in late December 2025 and in early January 2026, which took place at a “chifa” restaurant, as well as a meeting with businessman Ji Wu Xiaodong, who is reportedly under house arrest. Yang is under preliminary investigation for alleged influence peddling and corruption-related offenses, while Xiaodong is being investigated for alleged involvement in organized crime and illegal economic activities.

The meetings became controversial due to certain circumstances surrounding the encounters, including the use of a hood and dark glasses during a 2 AM meeting at a chifa restaurant in San Luis with Zhihua Yang, reports of additional meetings in Market Capón, the physical distance maintained between the parties, and inconsistencies between Jeri’s public statements.

President Jerí has stated that these encounters did not involve state decision or favors, stating:

If I had something to hide, I would resign. I have not lied to the country, nor have I committed any illegal act. Attempts to distort routine matters on my part are precisely what I intend to prevent, that’s why I will voluntarily appear before the congressional Oversight Committee and place myself at the disposal of prosecutors

Jeri’s appearance follows years of political instability caused by corruption scandals that precedes seven presidents in the last 10 years. Former President Dina Boluarte—who assumed office after Pedro Castillo got arrested after a failed coup attempt— was vacated for moral incapacity, leading Congress to install an interim administration, with the President of Congress assuming executive authority as investigations follow their course.

This “Chifagate” controversy has triggered a constitutional debate over the appropriate mechanism to remove Jose Jerí from office. Several constitutional scholars argue that Jerí should be vacated from presidency, a decision that would make the President of Congress assume the presidency of the Republic. According to Exitosa, the interim president is currently facing six motions of censure in Congress.

However, lawmakers argue that Jerí is not an elected president, but rather the President of Congress temporarily exercising presidential duties. Under this view, the correct procedure would censure him as head of Congress and appoint a new interim president.

Critics warn that this interpretation creates legal uncertainty, and opens a scenario that is not explicitly regulated by the Constitution, where any legislator could ascend to the presidency through internal congressional procedures.