Perú breaks diplomatic ties with Mexico over asylum granted to former Prime Minister Betssy Chávez
Perú severed diplomatic relations with Mexico on Monday after Mexico granted asylum to former Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, who is accused in the 2022 coup attempt.
November 3, 2025 - 06:32 PM ET • 2 min read
Perú broke diplomatic relations with Mexico on Monday, citing the "unfriendly act" of Mexico granting asylum to former Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, who is facing charges related to the failed December 2022 coup attempt by then-President Pedro Castillo.
The decision, announced by Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela in Lima, marks a significant escalation in tensions that have persisted between the two South American and North American nations since late 2022.
"Today we learned with surprise and deep regret that former premier Betssy Chávez, presumed co-author of the coup d'état that former President Pedro Castillo attempted to consummate, is being granted asylum in the residence of the Mexican embassy in Perú," Minister De Zela told reporters.
Ms. Chávez, who served as Castillo's Chief of Cabinet, is accused of participating in the attempted constitutional breach. She is currently residing in the Mexican embassy residence in Lima. Reports indicated that Ms. Chávez had recently missed multiple judicial hearings, and her lawyer had been suspended for presenting a false medical certificate.
Minister De Zela stated that the Peruvian government decided to sever ties due to the asylum grant and "the repeated occasions in which the current and the previous president of that country have intervened in the internal affairs of Perú." He lamented that the Mexican government persisted in an "erroneous and unacceptable position" that forced the rupture of what was previously described as a fraternal relationship.
Despite the diplomatic break, Perú confirmed that consular relations with Mexico will be maintained. Minister De Zela clarified that the measure does not interrupt consular services, ensuring that Peruvian citizens in Mexico and Mexican citizens in Perú will continue to receive protection from their respective consulates.
The friction between Lima and Mexico City dates back to the attempted self-coup by Mr. Castillo in December 2022. Following his ouster, Mexico, under former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (2018-2024), granted asylum to Castillo's family. López Obrador repeatedly refused to recognize the legitimacy of current Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, going so far as to label her a "spurious president."
Peruvian officials noted that the tensions have continued under the current Mexican administration led by President Claudia Sheinbaum. Officials have previously accused Mexican authorities of attempting to portray the authors of the attempted coup as victims, contradicting Perú's commitment to democratic governance.