ULAANBAATAR: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken departed Mongolia on Thursday at the end of a 10-day visit to Asia, hailing growing relations with the landlocked democracy situated between global powers Russia and China. Blinken’s visit highlights the United States’ strategic efforts to bolster alliances and counterbalance Russia and China’s influence in the region.
Blinken’s tour included stops in Southeast Asia, Japan, and the Philippines, where he and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced enhanced military and defence collaborations. The tour aimed to reinforce support for US allies and address Beijing’s actions in the South China Sea, which Washington has criticized as provocations.
In Ulaanbaatar, Blinken met with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, and Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg. His discussions with Mongolian leaders focused on advancing a “comprehensive strategic dialogue” and exploring ways to strengthen people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.
During a press conference, Blinken emphasized that the US’s approach in the region is not aimed at countering any single country but rather promoting a shared vision for the future. “It’s for a common vision that we share for what the future should look like,” Blinken said.
Blinken reiterated that this vision includes the principle of national sovereignty, allowing countries to make their own decisions and choices about their future.
Mongolia, a democracy with a population of approximately 3.4 million, has been strategically significant due to its geographic location and historical ties with Russia and China. The United States has expressed a desire to cultivate a closer relationship with Mongolia, focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation and enhancing diplomatic engagement.
Blinken’s visit comes after the parliamentary elections in Mongolia held in June, which saw a reduction in the ruling party’s majority. The US aims to increase its influence in Mongolia as part of a broader strategy to engage with countries that have strong historical and economic relationships with China and Russia.
“Mongolia is a central partner in this region,” Blinken said alongside Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg. “The United States and Mongolia are proud third neighbors, linked by shared democratic values and common interests.”
Washington hopes to increase its influence in Mongolia, which holds historical ties with Russia as well as a critical trading relationship with China.
