Uruguay Expands Ties with China
Uruguayan President Yamandou Orsi met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday, marking a significant step in strengthening relations between Uruguay and China. The two countries signed 19 agreements, deepening their ties.
Currently on a week-long official visit to China, Orsi’s entourage includes around 150 individuals, including government officials, academics, and community leaders. According to Uruguay’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mario Lubetkin, China has been Uruguay’s largest export market since 2013, contributing approximately $3.49 billion to the Uruguayan economy in 2025.
Before their meeting, Orsi participated in various cultural and ceremonial activities in Beijing. Notably, he is the first head of government from Latin America to meet with Xi in 2026 and one of five leaders to do so this year.
Orsi mentioned, “I promised to make this visit happen in my first year in office, and we kept that promise,” having assumed the presidency in March 2025.
Xi remarked that the two nations “share natural affinities” and called for enhanced cooperation in several areas, including trade and infrastructure. This meeting commemorated the 38th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
Addressing the current international climate, Xi noted that “today’s world is undergoing major changes not seen in the past 100 years,” suggesting increasing challenges and complexities.
Orsi emphasized Uruguay’s aim to bolster development plans that benefit both nations, focusing on diversified trade and investment. He expressed optimism about their “comprehensive strategic partnership” and the responsibility to elevate it further.
The agreements span various sectors, including investments, environmental initiatives, fisheries, and intellectual property. One notable agreement is for improved news exchange between Uruguay’s National Audiovisual Communication Authority and Xinhua News Agency.
In addition, Uruguay reaffirmed its commitment to the “One China Principle,” contending that any form of “Taiwan independence” contradicts it. The nations agreed to enhance cooperation under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which Uruguay officially joined in 2018.
Both countries highlighted the importance of peacekeeping operations and training exchanges within the UN framework.
Prior to Orsi’s departure for China, a U.S. Embassy source revealed concerns regarding the visit, particularly regarding trade practices and security issues. The official expressed worries about China’s influence on Uruguayan industries, citing potential job losses in the toy manufacturing sector due to unfair trade practices.
