Uruguay President Orsi deepens ties with China’s Xi despite Trump threats

Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi visited China in February 2026, becoming the first Latin American leader to do so since the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces. Orsi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing to deepen their countries' "comprehensive strategic partnership," signing a dozen cooperation agreements related to science, technology, and trade. Xi emphasized promoting a "multipolar world" and "inclusive economic globalization." Orsi stated Uruguay is actively pursuing international engagement and creating development opportunities. The visit occurred amid pressure from the US to limit Chinese influence in Latin America. Orsi's seven-day trip included a 150-person delegation and a planned stop in Shanghai.

Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi will visit China from February 1-7, marking the first visit by a Latin American leader to Beijing since the reported U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in early January. The visit aims to strengthen political dialogue and expand economic cooperation between the two countries. Uruguay seeks to deepen its commercial ties with China, its top export destination for over a decade, focusing on beef, soybeans, and cellulose, while navigating its membership in the Mercosur trade bloc. The Uruguayan delegation will include cabinet ministers, state agencies, provincial leaders, and representatives from over 70 companies and business chambers. China hopes the visit will positively promote the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Uruguay.