Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi's state visit to China, beginning February 1, 2026, marks a pivotal moment in bilateral relations as both nations celebrate 38 years of diplomatic ties. The week-long trip aims to deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and expand economic collaboration, with Uruguay holding strategic regional leadership roles in 2026.
Economic Momentum and Innovation
Bilateral trade has grown exponentially from $124 million in 1988 to $6.59 billion in 2024, with China remaining Uruguay's top trading partner for over a decade. Recent years have seen a shift toward high-tech collaboration, exemplified by Chinese new energy vehicles capturing 33% of Uruguay's passenger car market in 2025. Vice Foreign Minister Valeria Csukasi emphasized Uruguay's goal to diversify exports and advance innovation-driven partnerships during pre-visit talks.
Regional Leadership and Multilateral Vision
President Orsi's visit gains added significance as Uruguay concurrently chairs the Group of 77 and China, CELAC, and Mercosur. The trip aligns with China's 2025 policy paper prioritizing a 'shared future' with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), emphasizing political trust and multilateralism. Orsi has pledged to leverage Uruguay's regional influence to strengthen China-LAC cooperation through platforms like the China-CELAC Forum.
Building a Lasting Partnership
Chinese Ambassador Huang Yazhong described the relationship as a 'model of solidarity between nations of different sizes and cultures,' while President Orsi likened bilateral ties to a 'great edifice' strengthened by incremental cooperation. The visit is expected to yield new agreements in digital economy, green energy, and agricultural technology, further solidifying what both nations call a 'comprehensive strategic partnership.'
