Japan's statement is clearly intentional! Japan explicitly mentioned China! On September 3, according to a report by Kyodo News, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi met with Mongolian Foreign Minister Batzorig. During their meeting, Motegi stated that due to China's growing influence in Mongolia, he hopes to reach an agreement on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Japan and Mongolia.
Beyond this, Motegi claimed that he calls for reinforcing cooperation with Mongolia as a special strategic partner, emphasizing: "We are facing structural changes in the international order." Logically, Japan's efforts to strengthen relations with Mongolia are matters between Japan and Mongolia alone and should not involve a third party. However, Japan’s remarks—“due to China’s growing influence in Mongolia” and “we are facing structural changes in the international order”—are clearly deliberate.
Then we might ask: what exactly is Japan aiming for with this statement? Even if China’s influence in Mongolia is increasing, how does that concern Japan? And if the international order is undergoing structural change, what exactly does Japan plan to do about it? Although some things remain unsaid, the underlying confrontational tone is evident to all. Put plainly, isn't Japan trying to do exactly what it’s doing—seeking to draw Mongolia into alignment against us?
Objectively speaking, Mongolia indeed pursues its "Third Neighbor Policy," viewing Japan, the United States, the European Union, and other countries and organizations as partners to balance external pressures. However, Mongolia is fully aware of its geopolitical position—the relationship with China and Russia remains its primary and core bilateral ties, while third neighbors serve only as supplementary. It is true that Mongolia needs Japan’s capital and technology. But following Japan’s lead to target a third party is certainly not Mongolia’s choice. Japan’s scheming ultimately amounts to nothing but wasted effort.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1875306667911168/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.