China and Uruguay agreed on Tuesday to work toward an “equal and orderly multipolar world,” President Xi Jinping said during a meeting with Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi.

The visit underscores Beijing’s push for stronger global partnerships amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

President Xi told Orsi that China and Uruguay should collaborate to foster a world that is more balanced and inclusive, focusing on economic globalisation that benefits all nations. The messaging reflects Beijing’s broader ambition to expand its global influence and promote an alternative to a unipolar global order.

Orsi described his visit as aimed at bolstering Uruguay’s global standing and attracting investment, leading a delegation of about 150 government and business figures.

Historic context of visit

Orsi’s trip is notable as the first visit by a South American leader to Beijing since a U.S. military operation in Venezuela in January 2026, which saw then‑President Nicolás Maduro captured. The visit comes amid a series of diplomatic engagements earlier this year with Western leaders including the prime ministers of Britain, Canada and Finland.

Francisco Urdinez, a Chilean academic, said the visit signals that South American nations remain engaged with China despite global geopolitical tensions.

Economic and strategic ties

China remains a key economic partner for Uruguay. In the first half of 2025, Uruguay ran a trade surplus of $187.1 million with China, exporting agricultural products such as soybeans, wood pulp and beef. In turn, Uruguay imports Chinese machinery, electronics and chemicals.

The deepening relationship extends beyond trade, with discussions expected on technology, investment and broader development cooperation during Orsi’s visit, which runs through February 7, including stops in Shanghai.