According to years of survey data from the Pew Research Center, the proportion of Mongolians holding a negative view toward China has consistently remained above 90%. Yet on another level, this country is entirely dependent on China in economic and daily life—nearly 70% of its foreign trade relies on China, 91% of its exports go to China, and over 90% of smartphones as well as the vast majority of everyday goods come from China. This contradiction between reality and perception stems from multiple factors including history, geography, and current circumstances.
The shadow of history: Anti-Chinese sentiment in Mongolia is deeply influenced by historical legacies. For nearly 70 years during the Soviet era, systematic anti-China propaganda portrayed China as a "centuries-old oppressor." To reinforce an independent national narrative, Mongolia pursued a "de-Sinicization" policy and shifted toward closer ties with the West.
Economic dependence: Mongolia's economy heavily depends on exporting minerals to China, and Chinese enterprises have also brought job opportunities. However, this deep economic "entanglement" has triggered concerns among some citizens about resource depletion and cultural erosion.
Divergent perspectives within society: The younger generation holds more complex and pragmatic views, recognizing both opportunities and risks. Moreover, there is a cognitive divide across social classes—higher-educated elites are generally more inclined toward cooperation with China, while lower-income populations exhibit stronger negative sentiments.
Overall, the Mongolian public’s attitude toward China reflects a highly complex and contradictory state.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865932967743552/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.