Chinese President Xi Jinping told Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi on Tuesday that China and Uruguay should work together to promote an "equal and orderly multipolar world," as the two countries agreed to deepen their strategic partnership and expand cooperation across trade, science and the environment.
Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi speaks during a bilateral talk with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, February 3, 2026. JESSICA LEE/Pool via REUTERS
Orsi's visit is the first by a South American head of state to Beijing since reports emerged of a U.S. operation in Venezuela in January — a development noted by both the visiting delegation and Chinese officials. Orsi is leading a delegation of about 150 people that includes business leaders; his trip runs through Feb. 7 and will include a stop in Shanghai.
Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi walks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, China, February 3, 2026. JESSICA LEE/Pool via REUTERS
A media pool report quoted Xi as saying China supports Latin American and Caribbean countries in defending their sovereignty, security and development interests, and in efforts to ease a volatile international situation and what he described as "escalating unilateral bullying."
Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, February 3, 2026. JESSICA LEE/Pool via REUTERS
"We should work together to advance an equal and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive, universally beneficial economic globalization," Xi said, stressing Beijing's desire for a rebalanced international order and closer ties with Latin America.
Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi stands next to Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, China, February 3, 2026. JESSICA LEE/Pool via REUTERS
On Tuesday China and Uruguay signed a declaration to deepen their strategic partnership and finalised 12 cooperation agreements covering areas from science and technology and intellectual property to environmental protection and the meat trade. Uruguay said it wants to diversify goods exports, expand services and attract more investment from China.
Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks during a bilateral talk with Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi (not pictured) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, February 3, 2026. JESSICA LEE/Pool via REUTERS
Expert Views
Francisco Urdinez, a professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, said the timing of Orsi's visit is symbolically significant for Beijing: "For Beijing, hosting Orsi signals that South American countries remain eager to engage, despite the increasingly polarized geopolitical environment."
Margaret Myers, director of the Asia & Latin America Program at the Inter-American Dialogue, cautioned that renewed U.S. attention to Latin America and concerns over China’s role in the region will shape how countries like Uruguay balance ties with the two powers.
Global South And Trade Links
Xi pledged Chinese support as Uruguay assumes the rotating presidency of the Group of 77+, framing the cooperation as part of broader efforts to strengthen solidarity across the Global South.
China was Uruguay's top export destination in 2025, buying agricultural goods from wood pulp to soybeans and beef. In the first half of 2025 Uruguay recorded a trade surplus with China of $187.1 million, while importing Chinese machinery, electronics and chemicals. Experts say there is potential to grow non-traditional areas of trade such as dairy and services.
The visit underscores Beijing's continued diplomatic outreach in Latin America and reflects Uruguay's interest in diversifying economic ties amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
