In Lima, Peru, as the city hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit with high-profile leaders such as the presidents of the United States and China, local transport workers have launched a strike in protest. The workers have taken to the streets to condemn what they view as worsening conditions under the country's neoliberal government, pointing to a rise in crime and deteriorating social services as primary concerns.
The protests coincide with the arrival of approximately 600 U.S. troops, deployed in Peru to assist in managing security during the summit and containing any unrest that may arise. The presence of foreign troops has fueled tensions, with demonstrators expressing frustration over what they see as an infringement on Peru's sovereignty amid a sensitive political climate.
The strike has disrupted transport across Lima, bringing additional attention to the workers' demands for improved public safety and socioeconomic policies that address the needs of ordinary citizens. Meanwhile, APEC delegates continue with their discussions on trade and regional economic cooperation, navigating the complexities of an international summit amid a backdrop of local dissent and demands for change.
