Chinese President Xi Jinping told Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi on Tuesday that the two nations should collaborate to advance an "equal and orderly multipolar world," according to a joint statement released by the official Xinhua news agency. The meeting, which saw the signing of 12 cooperation documents spanning trade, technology, and environmental policy, occurred as both countries seek to deepen their strategic partnership.
Xi specifically asserted that China supports Latin American and Caribbean nations in safeguarding their sovereignty and development interests against what he termed "escalating unilateral bullying." This rhetoric aligns with Beijing's broader foreign policy narrative challenging perceived Western hegemony, as reported by a media pool during the event.
Furthermore, both leaders expressed mutual desire to commence free trade agreement negotiations between China and the Mercosur trade bloc as soon as possible. Uruguay, which holds the rotating presidency of the Group of 77+, received backing from Xi for boosting solidarity within the Global South bloc, according to reports.
Orsi, leading a delegation of 150 business and government figures, described the current status of the China-Uruguay strategic partnership as being at its "best moment." Uruguay seeks to enhance trade volumes, particularly through diversification away from traditional agricultural exports like soy and beef toward services and investment, as detailed in the pool report.
Geopolitical analysts noted the symbolic importance of Orsi's visit, occurring shortly after several Western prime ministers visited Beijing. Professor Francisco Urdinez of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile suggested the visit signals that South American engagement with Beijing remains robust despite global polarization.
However, concerns persist regarding the regional implications of increased U.S. attention following recent actions in Venezuela, according to Margaret Myers of the Inter-American Dialogue. Myers indicated that both Chinese and Latin American actors are reassessing engagement risks given the potential for further U.S. intervention in the hemisphere.
Economically, China remains Uruguay's primary export destination, absorbing agricultural products like wood pulp and soybeans. Uruguay maintained a trade surplus of $187.1 million with China in the first half of 2025, importing machinery and electronics, illustrating the established commercial foundation of the relationship.
