Chinese Premier Li Qiang has expressed China's intention to enhance collaboration with Mongolia within the framework of a Eurasian security alliance. This alliance, which recently admitted Iran as its ninth member, subtly encourages Mongolia to consider joining this regional group, which also includes Russia.
For nearly two decades, Mongolia has refrained from becoming a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), opting instead to maintain observer status since 2004. During this time, nations like India, Pakistan, and Iran have become full-fledged members. On the sidelines of an SCO meeting in Bishkek, Li conveyed China's readiness to strengthen cooperation with Mongolia within the SCO and other multilateral platforms to better protect their shared interests.
Mongolian Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene responded by expressing Mongolia's willingness to collaborate with China to further build mutual trust and advance plans for the Mongolia-China-Russia economic corridor. He did not, however, comment on any specific intentions regarding SCO membership. In a speech before SCO member states in Bishkek, Oyun-Erdene emphasized Mongolia's commitment to pursuing a multi-faceted and independent foreign policy while fostering mutually beneficial cooperation with SCO member countries.
Mongolia has traditionally focused on cultivating bilateral relationships with its neighboring countries and other Asian nations. It has also entered into economic and security agreements with its two largest neighbors, China and Russia. Additionally, Mongolia follows a "third neighbor" diplomacy approach, highlighting its political independence by forming strategic partnerships with countries like the United States, Japan, and South Korea, while remaining cautious about joining regional security alliances.
While the SCO is not a military alliance, it has been broadening cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism and aims to expand its global influence by admitting new members. The organization offers a Eurasian alternative to Western blocs like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
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