A new China-backed megaport in Peru may create whole new trade routes that will bypass North America entirely.

South of the border, China is ascendant.Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrives this week in a region where China has replaced the U.S. as the dominant trading partner for most big economies, with the exceptions of Mexico and Colombia.

The port opening in Chancay underscores China’s growing clout in a region that once looked primarily to the United States for economic opportunity.

The new megaport is 992 hectares in size and creates a direct link between Shanghai and Peru and will cut shipment times down by 20 days on some routes.

The Chinese state enterprise-owned Chancay port can berth some of the largest container ships, and potentially Chinese warships.

By Alek Buttermann The inauguration of the Chancay Megaport in Peru marks a significant moment for regional trade, with the facility set to become South America’s largest commercial port. Developed by China's state-owned Cosco Shipping,

China's leader, Xi Jinping, virtually inaugurated the large Chancay port near Lima on Thursday. Built, financed, and controlled by a state-owned Chinese company, the port aims to streamline direct goods transport between Asia and South America.

China's leader, Xi Jinping, virtually inaugurated the large Chancay Port near Lima on Thursday. Built, financed, and controlled by a state-owned Chinese company, the port aims to streamline the direct transportation of goods between Asia and South America.