The Relationship between "Third Neighbors" such as India and Mongolia: Mongolia's "Third Neighbor": Expanding Vision, Utilizing Resources
In recent years, the relationship between Mongolia and third neighbors (countries other than China and Russia) has taken on new significance driven by strategic and economic needs. For example, India has shown strong interest in Mongolia, particularly focusing on its rich rare earth reserves, which account for about 10% of the global total. The joint military exercise "Yurts Elephant 2025" focuses on urban warfare and cyber operations, not only showcasing military cooperation but also serving as a means for India to access Mongolia's valuable resources.
Multi-lateral cooperation has also become the cornerstone of Mongolia's foreign policy. The "Khan Quest 2025" peacekeeping exercise, which invited countries such as China, the United States, and South Korea, is a typical example. By hosting such events, Mongolia can balance military trust with Beijing while strengthening relationships with other countries.
The United States, through initiatives such as the 2024 Indo-Pacific Economic Framework negotiations, and South Korea, which has pledged to invest in smart cities in 2025, are both vying for influence over Mongolia, attempting to counter the dominance of China and Russia. In turn, Mongolia skillfully uses these gestures to enhance its negotiating leverage on the global stage, using its World War II legacy as a unified narrative to engage with different partners.
Source: The Diplomat
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836671147999232/
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