China’s President Xi Jinping has called for an “equal and orderly multipolar world,” criticizing what he described as “unilateral bullying” on the global stage, in comments widely seen as a direct nod to the United States.
Xi made the remarks while meeting in Beijing with Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi, the first South American leader to visit China since the recent U.S. special forces operation in Venezuela, which China condemned as a breach of sovereignty.
“The international situation is fraught with intertwined turmoil, and unilateral bullying is intensifying,” Xi told Orsi, according to state broadcaster CCTV. He emphasized that China “is willing to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Uruguay in the Global South, jointly promote an equal and orderly multipolar world, and encourage inclusive economic globalization.”
Xi also reassured Latin American nations that Beijing “supports their efforts to safeguard sovereignty, security, and development interests.”
Orsi, in turn, highlighted the “challenges posed by the international and regional scenario,” while stressing the importance of strong economic ties with China. Indeed, China is Uruguay’s largest trading partner and a key buyer of agricultural products like soybeans and beef. Chinese electric vehicle brands have also captured nearly a third of Uruguay’s EV market, reflecting growing economic integration.
During the meeting, both leaders signed agreements covering science, technology, environmental initiatives, and emerging industries. Xi noted that cooperation could expand into green technology, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy.
Uruguay, a member of South America’s Mercosur trade bloc, faces limitations in striking independent trade deals with China, though Orsi has previously expressed interest in pursuing more direct commercial ties. Mercosur recently finalized a historic trade deal with the European Union, eliminating tariffs on over 90 percent of bilateral trade.
Orsi is scheduled to meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, Beijing’s third-highest-ranking official, before traveling to Shanghai, further cementing a growing partnership that balances trade ambitions with geopolitical realities.
At its heart, this visit reflects not just economic strategy but the human element of diplomacy—a story of two nations navigating the complexities of global power, mutual respect, and the desire for a fairer, more balanced world.
