The meeting between President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and President Yamandú Orsi of the Republic of Uruguay, held in Beijing on February 3, 2026, represented a significant turning point in international relations.[i] Held on the 38th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, this meeting can be seen as an event reflecting China’s strategic position in Latin America and Uruguay’s efforts toward global economic integration.
China-Uruguay relations have emerged as one of the bridges between Asia and Latin America in the post-Cold War era. Established in 1988, diplomatic ties were initially limited but expanded in parallel with China’s “reform and opening up” policy. According to realist theory, this process combined China’s need for resources (such as agricultural products) with Uruguay’s search for market diversification. Liberal theorists emphasize that this relationship has been institutionalized through organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO). Constructivists, on the other hand, point out that the two countries have built a common relationship identity based on the rhetoric of “mutual respect” and “win-win.” The areas highlighted in the meeting—economy, trade, infrastructure, digital economy, and clean energy—are in line with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and make Uruguay a strategic partner in Latin America.[ii]
The origins of China-Uruguay relations date back to the second half of the 20th century. Uruguay established diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan) after the 1949 Chinese Revolution, but official ties with the PRC government were only established in 1988. This delay reflects Uruguay’s efforts, from a realist perspective, to remain aligned with the Western Bloc during the ideological polarization of the Cold War. China’s admission to the United Nations (UN) (1971) and its reform policies brought Latin American countries closer to Beijing, but Uruguay’s military dictatorship delayed diplomatic overtures. With the return to democracy in the late 1980s, Uruguay diversified its foreign policy and normalized relations with China. This period demonstrates that, according to liberal theory, economic opportunities can overcome ideological barriers. Indeed, China’s rapid growth has opened new markets for Uruguay’s agricultural exports.[iii]
February 3, 1988, marked the establishment of diplomatic relations, signifying the beginning of an official era between the two countries. This date was solidified by the signing of three fundamental agreements (trade, culture, and consular) following secret negotiations. From a realist perspective, China’s pursuit of diplomatic recognition in Latin America motivated this step. Uruguay adopted the “One China” policy. In the context of liberalism, this establishment laid the foundation for economic cooperation; trade volume slowly increased in the 1990s. Constructivists interpret this period as the construction of the norm of “mutual respect.” This norm has been reiterated through discourse in subsequent years. The 1988 agreements emphasized the peaceful policies of the two countries despite their different social systems.[iv]
The 1990s can be described as a period of consolidation in relations. Although trade with Uruguay remained limited in the period prior to China’s accession to the WTO, cultural and political changes increased. In 1993, the visit of Uruguayan President Julio María Sanguinetti to China was one of the first high-level contacts. Realism explains this period with China’s resource security strategy; Uruguay’s exports of soy, meat, and dairy products began to meet China’s food demand. Liberal theorists argue that this trade created mutual dependence, as Uruguay’s membership in Mercosur (1991) provided China with access through the bloc. The constructivist approach notes that the rhetoric of “friendship” grew stronger during these years. For example, the 10th anniversary celebrations in 1998 reinforced the construction of a shared identity.[v]
The 2000s marked a period of increased economic momentum. At the 15th anniversary celebrations in 2003, messages from Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and his Uruguayan counterpart Didier Opertti emphasized that relations were “friendly and cooperative.” China’s orientation towards Latin America also affected Uruguay; trade volume rose from $100 million in 2000 to $2 billion in 2010. From a realist perspective, this is an expansion of China’s geopolitical influence. Liberalism emphasizes the role of institutions such as the China-Latin America Forum. It notes that the norm of “South-South cooperation” took hold during this period. Uruguay’s agricultural and financial agreements with China gave concrete form to this norm.[vi]
In 2016, during Uruguayan President Tabaré Vázquez’s visit to China, relations were elevated to the level of a “strategic partnership.” China’s strategy of expanding its BRI investments to Latin America has been successful in recent years. Uruguay’s participation in the BRI in 2018 was the first in Mercosur. This paved the way for infrastructure projects (e.g., a 500kV transmission line). Trade volume exceeded $5 billion in 2018.[vii]
In 2020, relations reached a stage of maturity amid the pandemic and geopolitical tensions. China’s vaccine assistance to Uruguay during Covid-19 can be seen as an exercise of soft power. The government of Luis Lacalle Pou has advanced the free trade agreement. However, individual negotiations are contentious due to Mercosur restrictions. In 2021, trade reached $6.48 billion, and China became Uruguay’s largest partner. In 2022, military equipment purchases (OPV ships) diversified relations.[viii]
The 2026 meeting can be considered the peak of this chronology. The areas emphasized by Xi (green development, digital economy, artificial intelligence, and clean energy) reflect the evolution of the KYG. It reinforces China’s multipolar world vision; Uruguay’s G77 presidency and its role within the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) provide China with allies. The historical chronology shows that relations have evolved from an ideological beginning to economic-strategic depth. This evolution is a microcosm of China’s rise in Latin America.
As a result, China-Uruguay relations may deepen further in the coming years and influence global geopolitical balances. As China’s influence in Latin America grows, Uruguay can strengthen its economic independence through free trade agreements. However, Mercosur tensions could create conflict. Institutionalization through KYG and CELAC is expected to promote peaceful integration. Trade volume is expected to exceed $10 billion by 2030, with cooperation anticipated in green energy and artificial intelligence. However, US-China competition poses risks. Uruguay’s ability to pursue a balanced policy will be critical. This relationship could serve as a model for developing countries as an example of a multipolar world.
[i] “Xi calls for cooperation with Uruguay in multiple areas”, Xinhua, https://english.news.cn/20260203/1fbe3be5ade6414e9b3947af476dac02/c.html, (Date Accessed: 03.02.2026).
[ii] Ibid.
[iii] Ibid.
[iv] Volosyuk, O. V., & Quiroga Cremella, C. (2025). China and the Countries of the Global South: Uruguay and China Economic Cooperation at the Beginning of the 21st Century. Vestnik RUDN. International Relations, 25(2), 309-321.
[v] “Celebrating the 35th anniversary of Uruguay-China relations”, Fundación Andres Bello, https://www.fundacionandresbello.org/en/news/uruguay-🇺🇾-news/celebrating-the-35th-anniversary-of-uruguay-china-relations, (Date Accessed: 03.02.2026).
[vi] “China–Uruguay Economic Relations: Growth Trends & Strategic Sectors”, China Briefing, https://www.china-briefing.com/news/china-uruguay-trade-investment-opportunities, (Date Accessed: 03.02.2026).
[vii] Ibid.
[viii] “China and Uruguay”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs People’s Republic of China, https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/gjhdq_665435/3447_665449/3533_665148/, (Date Accessed: 03.02.2026).
