Mongolia is one of the most critical states in Asia due to its unique geographical location, its policy of balance between the West and its rivals led by the United States of America (USA), and its underground resources. Mongolia is a state that many actors attach importance to it. This gives rise to competition in the Mongolia-centered region. The country is positioned at the center of regional politics both by Western states and by Russia and China.
Mongolia has great potential in terms of underground resources. Therefore, Western states want to weaken China and Russia and benefit from rich underground resources. In this context, global actors aim to increase their investments in Mongolia by improving their bilateral relations by signing agreements with the country.
In this context, on August 29, 2023, Mongolia and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding on the management and development of mineral resources.[1] As a result of the subsequent negotiations, on August 3, 2023, it was announced that the United States would provide 25 million dollars in aid to Mongolia. [2]
The United States is not the only country that has sought to improve its bilateral relations with Mongolia through economic financing. On September 29, 2023, following negotiations between Mongolian and German officials, Germany agreed to provide Mongolia with 78 million euros in financing. [3]
The preference of developed countries to provide financing to developing countries in order to improve their relations with them is a common phenomenon in history. In this context, both Berlin and Washington are seen to be acting with the aim of taking their relations with Mongolia to a new dimension.
France is another country interested in improving its relations with Mongolia and making progress in certain areas. Paris has been cooperating with Ulaanbaatar on uranium since 1997.
The World Nuclear Association has announced that the Zoovch Ovoo uranium deposit in the Gobi Basin has uranium resources of over 54,000 tons. French Areva Mines has been involved in uranium exploration in Dornogovi province since 1997. [4]
On May 21, 2023, French President Emmanuel Macron paid a visit to Mongolia in order to guarantee Europe’s energy sovereignty. This visit was primarily aimed at guaranteeing Europe’s energy sovereignty. France also wanted to have closer relations with Mongolia than Mongolia-China relations. [5]
On October 10, 2023, Mongolian leader Khurelsukh Ukhnaa paid a visit to France. During the visit, which is expected to last four days, it is planned to hold talks on bilateral relations as well as energy and other issues. [6] According to media reports, the value of the deal pending approval is more than one billion dollars. The project is also expected to make it possible to extract significant amounts of uranium to strengthen France’s strategic autonomy.[7]
As can be seen, the West’s growing interest in Mongolia has focused primarily on its underground resources. It can be stated that coal, like uranium, will be effective in increasing the global importance of Mongolia in the future.
In conclusion, Mongolia is a state that seeks to maximize its national interests through a policy of balance between East and West. In this context, the growing interest of the West and the East in Mongolia creates new opportunities for the Ulaanbaatar administration. The fact that Mongolia’s underground resources, mainly uranium and coal, are attracting increased interest from regional and global actors solidifies Mongolia’s position in global politics. On the other hand, the issue of energy security in the context of the West-China rivalry remains on the agenda. It is possible to say that Western states are both resorting to producers such as Mongolia in order to cut energy imports from Russia and taking various steps to make it difficult for China to meet its coal needs.
[1] “United States – Mongolia Memorandum of Understanding on Mineral Resources”, U.S. Department of State, www.state.gov/united-states-mongolia-memorandum-of-understanding-on-mineral-resources/, (Erişim Tarihi: 29.08.2023).
[2] “The United States Announces Nearly $13 Million to Advance a Prosperous, Secure, and Resilient Mongolia”, USAID, www.usaid.gov/news-information/press-releases/aug-03-2023-united-states-announces-nearly-13-million-advance-prosperous-secure-and-resilient-mongolia, (Erişim Tarihi: 03.08.2023).
[3] “Government Of Germany to Provide 78 million Euro to Mongolia”, Aki Press, https://akipress.com/news:734154:Government_of_Germany_to_provide_78_million_Euro_to_Mongolia/, (Erişim Tarihi: 29.09.2023).
[4] “Mongolia President Begins France Visit to Discuss Uranium Mining, Energy”, RFI, www.rfi.fr/en/international/20231010-mongolia-president-begins-france-visit-to-discuss-uranium-mining-energy, (Erişim Tarihi: 10.10.2023).
[5] “Macron Makes First French Presidential Visit to Mongolia”, France 24, www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20230521-president-macron-makes-first-french-presidential-visit-to-mongolia, Erişim Tarihi: 10.10.2023).
[6] “Mongolia President Begins France Visit to Discuss Uranium Mining, Energy”, MNA International, www.macaubusiness.com/mongolia-president-begins-france-visit-to-discuss-uranium-mining-energy/, (Erişim Tarihi: 11.10.2023).
[7] Aynı yer.
