On 25 January 2026, Brazil declared that it had taken over the diplomatic representation of Mexico in Peru. This was not out of the blue however, as a political rift between Mexico and Peru had been present since November of 2025, when Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, granted former Prime Minister Betssy Chavez asylum in the Mexican Embassy in Lima, Peru. Since being granted asylum, Chavez has not stepped foot out of the Mexican Embassy, preventing the Peruvian government from detaining and proceeding with her prosecution. She faces charges that could result in up to 11 years in prison. 

According to ABC News, Brazil’s foreign ministry stated that the decision was made in direct coordination with Mexico, emphasizing that it was “granting a request from the Mexican government.” With this new role, Brazil will safeguard Mexican diplomatic interests in Peru, including the embassy building, the ambassador’s residence, official archives, and other assets, while not assuming control over Mexico’s foreign policy or making political decisions on its behalf. Leading up to this exchange of power, Peru’s Minister of Foreign Affairs responded to Mexico’s actions by announcing “Given this unfriendly act, and considering the repeated instances in which the current and former presidents of that country have interfered in Peru’s internal affairs, the Peruvian government has decided to sever diplomatic relations with Mexico today,” Aljazeer claims.  

This situation highlights a disregard for respect in national sovereignty in international relations. Mexico’s decision to grant asylum to Chávez can be seen as a commitment to protecting individuals it believes are facing disproportionate legal consequences. According to BBC, the Mexican Foreign Ministry claims that granting asylum to Chavez is consistent with international asylum norms. However, this decision is undermining Peru’s judicial authority. From a peace-oriented perspective, severing diplomatic ties does not offer a sustainable resolution for either country. A more effective approach would involve collective respect for each countries’ human rights and domestic legal processes.  

Understanding the layered history between Mexico and Peru adds another dimension to this current event. Chávez is a highly controversial figure because she was accused of rebellion and conspiracy through her alleged participation in the 2022 coup attempt led by former President Pedro Castillo. Castillo is infamously known for his plans to dissolve the Peruvian Congress and rule by decree during his presidency. Although Mexican diplomats temporarily returned home in November, diplomatic relations were not formally severed at that time. This was not the first instance of diplomatic strain between the two countries; in December 2022, Peru expelled Mexico’s ambassador after Mexico granted asylum to Castillo’s wife and children. These recurring disputes over asylum and perceived interference in domestic affairs set the stage for the current crisis, in which Peru has now fully severed diplomatic ties with Mexico. 

As we look to the future, Brazil’s involvement may help contain tensions between Mexico and Peru, but it also shows that Mexico remains firm on the asylum case, which could prolong the standoff. Brazil’s presence officially affirms the diplomatic severance between the two countries, and Mexico’s request for Brazil to act as mediator may signal a willingness to seek a neutral path for dialogue while protecting its interests.