Chinese government envoy Qiu Xiaoqu, accompanied by the Chinese ambassador and military attaché in Uruguay, met with President Luis Lacalle Pou on June 23.
The meeting primarily revolved around Uruguay’s decision to reject the purchase of ocean-going patrol vessels (OPV).
Rear Admiral Gustavo Musso had expressed concerns about the geopolitical tensions between China and the United States, as well as potential logistical challenges, in a recent report.
He advised against considering the Chinese offer.
Qiu Xiaogu expressed dissatisfaction at being excluded from the competitive process, conveying this to the Uruguayan vice-chancellor and later to the president himself.
President Lacalle Pou reaffirmed that Uruguay’s purchase decision would be based solely on national interests, denying any influence from geopolitical pressures.
However, in September 2022, El Observador newspaper reported that the U.S. Embassy had disagreed with the potential purchase of Chinese military equipment.
This occurred during the previous selection process when the Navy had identified the Chinese offer as the only one meeting technical requirements.
Ultimately, the decision to reject it was made due to higher costs and ongoing negotiations for a transfer of U.S. material to the Uruguayan Armed Forces.
In the current procurement process, various shipyards submitted proposals, which were reviewed and voted on by a panel of admirals.
Reports differ on the outcome.
El Observador stated that two rear admirals and the commander in chief voted for the Spanish shipyard Cardama, while Rear Admiral Gustavo Musso supported Gondán.
Conversely, Infodefensa.com reported that Rear Admiral Diego Vizcay abstained from voting, Rear Admiral Miguel de Souza voted for the Colombian Cotecmar, and Rear Admiral Gustavo Luciani supported the Chinese offer presented by CSTC.
Amidst media reports and pressure from various sources, the decision-making process is ongoing.
The urgent need for Uruguay’s naval force to acquire larger ships, coupled with the government’s commitment to fulfill electoral promises, adds complexity to the situation.
The outcome of recent developments will be crucial in determining the way forward, with hopes that the decision made will serve the best interests of the country.