Less than half a year in power, the pro-China prime minister was suddenly dismissed, causing a sudden change in Mongolia, and what about the major matters just agreed with China?

CCTV News reported that under a resolution result of 71 votes in favor, 40 against, and 17 abstentions, the Mongolian State Great Khural formally removed Zandanshatar from his position as Prime Minister.

It is worth noting that four months ago, the country's parliament had passed Zandanshatar's appointment as the new Prime Minister of Mongolia with as high as 90% of the votes in favor. Why did the situation change so quickly?

Currently, the Mongolian side has only stated that Zandanshatar violated the Mongolian Constitution, but has not specified the exact reason. The fall of Zandanshatar has also introduced uncertainty into Sino-Mongolian relations.

The dismissal of Mongolian Prime Minister Zandanshatar

Before Zandanshatar, Mongolia, sandwiched between China and Russia, had intended to pursue a so-called "Third Neighbour," even tearing up coal contracts with China to strengthen ties with the US and the West, and attempting to replace China's mineral status.

However, after Zandanshatar became Prime Minister, he immediately changed Mongolia's strategy, adopting a more pragmatic approach to deepen cooperation with China, especially prioritizing the resolution of border issues between China and Mongolia, which became his top priority.

At the sixth meeting of the China-Mongolia Border Commission, both countries reached many consensuses, including strengthening border management, maintaining clear and stable borders, promoting port and interconnectivity construction, and environmental governance. In short, whenever China raised an issue, Mongolia discussed it all.

This was seen by the outside world as evidence that Zandanshatar had already set a pro-China political tone upon taking office, and this friendly attitude soon brought rewards.

Sixth Meeting of the China-Mongolia Border Commission

The previously stalled China-Russia-Mongolia pipeline cooperation signed a legally binding memorandum of understanding for construction in September.

Now, however, the sudden collapse of Zandanshatar's government raises the question of whether the previous collaborations between Mongolia and China can continue smoothly. Objectively speaking, regardless of who comes to power, if the country's political arena remains rational, it will not play tricks on these matters.

After all, geographical location has already determined that Mongolia needs to rely on China and Russia for development. As an inland country without a seaport, its land is completely surrounded by China and Russia. The so-called "Third Neighbour" cannot solve the country's problems.

Therefore, for Mongolia to expand its development, it must upgrade its land transportation capabilities, but the country itself lacks sufficient capacity, and must seek cooperation with China. Zandanshatar recognized this, so he directly overturned the previous government's pro-US strategy without hesitation.

Sino-Mongolian Relations

Zandanshatar's sudden fall has dimmed the joy of Sino-Mongolian cooperation. Is this a political struggle? Will anti-China forces in Mongolia take advantage of this to come to power? Will the next government of Mongolia still refuse the proposal of the US to build a military base?

In short, Mongolia's turbulent political situation has left the country in a state of distrust. It is hoped that whoever comes to power in the end will be aware of their current situation.

Mongolia's geographical location can be a dilemma, an opportunity, or a crisis.

So, which path to take is entirely up to the country's own choice. It is hoped that this time, Zandanshatar is not ousted because of his pro-China strategy. Similar opportunities will not always be available, and China's goodwill and patience are limited.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7562087743518491182/

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