Mongolia is one of the states that builds its foreign policy on the element of balance and strives to create an autonomous foreign policy in this way. The country’s underground resources, especially coal, attract the interest of both China and Russia, as well as the United States of America (USA) and other Western states. Therefore, the government of Ulaanbaatar strives to balance between the great powers by developing good relations with both China and Russia and Western states.
Although the government of Ulaanbaatar has been making efforts to develop a multi-vector foreign policy, from time to time there have been significant increases in the interest of the parties in the country and their efforts to strengthen relations. The most recent example of this is the West. Recently, the interest of Western states has increased significantly due to the country’s geographical location and coal reserves. Coal plays a major role in the energy consumption of China, which, like many other countries, continues to be dependent on oil and natural gas. In 2022, China’s coal consumption increased by 4.6% compared to the previous year and reached 4.5 billion metric tons . [1]
At this point, against China’s increasing interest in Mongolia, Western states want to increase their weight in the country and have a strong hand against China by showing more interest in Mongolia.
In a good example of the West’s growing interest in Mongolia, the United States hosted a forum on September 28, 2023 to promote food security in Mongolia. US Ambassador to Mongolia Richard Buangan attended the forum and delivered the opening speech. Buangan’s statements point to the growing importance of Mongolia for the US : [2]
“Mongolia faces unprecedented challenges, including the agricultural sector, disruptions in the supply of key inputs such as fertilizer, and market uncertainties. The U.S. government is working with our Mongolian counterparts through numerous activities to promote sustainable and resilient economic growth and food security.”
As can be seen, Mongolia’s agricultural challenges are seen as an opportunity for the US to increase its presence in the region.
In addition to the US, South Korea has also been taking steps to further increase relations with Mongolia. For example, at the 30th Anniversary Meeting of the Mutual Customs Assistance Agreement held in Seoul on September 25-27, 2023, Seoul and Ulaanbaatar agreed on many issues. These can be listed as follows :[3]
- • Implementation of risk management by enhancing the ability to obtain information in advance and analyze it based on information technology to facilitate legitimate trade and combat illegal activities.
- • Implementation of the Mutual Recognition Agreement under the Trusted Enterprise Program to secure international supply chains and facilitate trade.
- • Benefit from the good experience of the Republic of Korea Customs, which has created an electronic and digital environment bringing advanced technology and innovation in customs clearance.
On September 29, 2023, a series of meetings took place between the governments of Berlin and Ulaanbaatar. It was agreed that the Government of Berlin would provide the Government of Ulaanbaatar with 78 million euros in financing, the largest amount in the history of bilateral cooperation negotiations. The loan of up to 29 million euros can be converted into funds for national programs and spent on the health sector through the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria . [4]
In conclusion, Mongolia is becoming increasingly important in the ongoing struggle between the US-led West and China. Western states are primarily supporting Mongolia in the economic and health sectors because they see Mongolia as a country closer to the West than China.
[1] “China’s Coal Use Increased to A Record High In 2022, IEA says”, RFA, https://t.ly/05xKw, (Erişim Tarihi: 28.09.2023).
[2] “United States Hosts Forum to Advance Mongolia’s Food Security”, U.S. Embassy in Mongolia, mn.usembassy.gov/pr-092823/, (Erişim Tarihi: 28.09.2023).
[3] “Mongolia To Cooperate with Korea on Supply International Goods and Security”, GoGo Mongolia, mongolia.gogo.mn/r/qo081, (Erişim Tarihi: 29.09.2023).
[4] “Government Of Germany To Provide 78 Million Euro To Mongolia”, Aki Press, kipress.com/news:734154:Government_of_Germany_to_provide_78_million_Euro_to_Mongolia/, (Erişim Tarihi: 29.09.2023).
