Uruguay has shifted its foreign policy away from the United States and toward closer ties with China, a move that signals a growing realignment of power in Latin America. The change in direction comes as Washington attempts to strengthen regional alliances to counter Beijing’s increasing influence in the Americas.
Since taking office on March 1, 2025, Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi has demonstrably distanced his administration from U.S. Foreign policy, according to reports. This shift was highlighted by a recent strategic partnership agreement signed with Chinese President Xi Jinping, following Orsi’s visit to China on February 3.
The move represents a significant departure from the policies of his predecessor, Luis Lacalle Pou. A key moment illustrating this change occurred in early January, when the U.S. Military conducted an operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, accused by Washington of leading the “Cártel de los Soles” and committing widespread human rights violations.
Uruguay’s initial response, issued by its Foreign Ministry on January 3, expressed “serious concern” over the intervention in Caracas. President Orsi subsequently stated, “Rechazo a la intervención militar y búsqueda permanente de una salida pacífica a la crisis venezolana. El fin no puede justificar los medios” – “Rejection of military intervention and a permanent search for a peaceful solution to the Venezuelan crisis. The conclude does not justify the means.”
“The problem isn’t the visit to China, the criticizable issue is not understanding the dimension of U.S. Foreign policy and not knowing how to play with them,” said Washington Abdala, a former Uruguayan ambassador to the Organization of American States (OEA). “The world is black or white and you have to stand on one side or the other, like Argentina, Paraguay… Uruguay is no longer part of Trump’s ‘club of friends.’”
The development underscores a broader trend of Latin American nations reassessing their relationships with both the U.S. And China. Recently, Uruguay’s Ministry of Foreign Relations also voiced “extreme concern” regarding military actions undertaken by the United States and Israel, as reported by KCH Comunicación. The announcement could influence future diplomatic talks and regional power dynamics.
A YouTube video highlights the deepening strategic alliance between China and Uruguay, while also noting U.S. Pressure on Chile regarding an agreement with China, including the revocation of visas for Chilean diplomats.
Infobae reported that Uruguay left the “club of friends” of the United States and resumed strengthening ties with the Chinese regime.
