Uruguay seeks to deepen, diversify already robust trade partnership with China: official

China

Uruguay seeks to deepen, diversify already robust trade partnership with China: official

2026-02-01 17:04 Last Updated At：23:27

As Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi begins his state visit to China, this South American country is aiming to use the occasion to strengthen and broaden already robust economic ties with its largest export partner, China, an economic official has said.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Orsi is paying a week-long state visit to China from Feb. 1 to 7.

In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Martin Mercado, deputy executive director of Uruguay XXI, the country's export and investment agency, signaled the country's readiness to advance beyond traditional trade with China and capitalize on the momentum in their bilateral relationship.

"The stage of our economic cooperation, our trade between Uruguay and China is robust and dynamic. As of December 2025, China represents 26 percent of all the goods exported by Uruguay. So it's our main economic partner in terms of goods exports. And I think we're at a stage right now that we can move forward into more diverse basket of goods. This 26 percent is dominated mainly by soybean, beef and cellulose, so I think this stage is set to move forward," said Mercado.

Orsi's visit marks his first to China since taking office in 2025. It also coincides with the 38th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Uruguay on February 3, a symbolic backdrop for a trip aimed at further deepening the China-Uruguay comprehensive strategic partnership.

Mercado expressed hopes that the visit will lead to a concrete work plan for expanded trade, as well as enhanced technical and scientific cooperation in the coming years.

"A big part of our private sector is coming along with our president. This means a trust in the Uruguayan and Chinese relationship for the past 40 years and I think it'll be a good time to strengthen economic relationships, and that in the next few years, with this visit, we can have a work plan and widen our basket of goods exported and technical and scientific cooperation between Uruguay and China. It's a good time for expansion of our relationship, seeing how the world trade is conducted right now," said the Uruguayan official.

In 2018, Uruguay became the first ERCOSUR country to join the Belt and Road Initiative. Mercado highlighted the BRI as a timely mechanism to enhance Uruguay-China trade efficiency.

"This is a good opportunity to take advantage of the Belt and Road Initiative. We're pretty far apart and trade cost can be high sometimes. Uruguay has been a member, part of it for quite a few years and I think this brings to the table an opportunity for a smooth and better trade. This could lower trade cost between the two nations," he said.

China's top diplomat stresses int'l rules at BRICS meeting

China's top diplomat Wang Yi on Tuesday emphasized the importance of upholding international rules, saying that the conflict between the United States and Iran, which has lasted for over a hundred days, has severely impacted the regional and international situation.

Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, made the remarks during the 16th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisors and High Representatives on National Security held in New Delhi, India.

He said that the recent signing of the first phase of the U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding, along with the conflict, has made many things clear to us.

The first is the importance of upholding international rules, Wang said at Tuesday's conference.

"The settlement of any international and regional hotspot issues should be based on abiding by international rules. The law of the jungle may succeed for a while, but it is not sustainable," he said.

The second is the importance of respecting national sovereignty, Wang said, adding that territorial integrity shall not be violated and a country's internal affairs shall not be interfered with. This is the most basic bottom line of international justice, he noted.

The third point is the importance of establishing a new vision of security, Wang said.

"Countries are increasingly becoming a community with a shared future. The practice of seeking absolute security of oneself at the expense of others will only backfire," he said.

The Chinese top diplomat said that the fourth is to understand the significance of new forms of war. Unconventional warfare, such as information warfare and cyber warfare, has become more visible in recent conflicts. Facing interwoven traditional and non-traditional security threats, it is the right time for BRICS countries to enhance dialogue and cooperation on security affairs.