1 GOVERNMENT TO FORMALLY APPROACH RIO TINTO, OYU TOLGOI TO SAFEGUARD NATIONAL INTEREST WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2026/01/09      2 NON-COMPLIANT ADVERTISING BILLBOARDS TO BE REMOVED WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2026/01/09      3 FROM TORONTO, CANADA TO PHU QUOC, VIETNAM: MONGOLIA’S BOLD 2026 AVIATION EXPANSION INCLUDES NEW FLIGHTS, VISA-FREE TRAVEL, AND AIRPORT UPGRADES! WWW.TRAVELANDTOURWORLD.COM PUBLISHED:2026/01/09      4 MONGOLIA TO MARK 820TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREAT MONGOL EMPIRE WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2026/01/09      5 PARLIAMENT SUPPORTS SOLAR GER INITIATIVE UNDER NEW REGULATORY REFORMS WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2026/01/09      6 MONGOLIA TO PURCHASE 710 THOUSAND TONS OF GASOLINE FROM RUSSIA WWW.OPEN.KG PUBLISHED:2026/01/09      7 ULAANBAATAR TO INSTALL 11.7 KM OF STORM DRAINS AT 19 SITES WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2026/01/09      8 BUILDING MONGOLIA'S NEW, OLD CAPITAL AT KHARKHORUM WWW.THEDIPLOMAT.COM PUBLISHED:2026/01/08      9 BACKED BY INDONESIAN TYCOON, THIS LISTED FIRM RUSHES TO ACQUIRE A MONGOLIAN MINE WWW.CNBCINDONESIA.COM PUBLISHED:2026/01/08      10 PREPARATORY WORK LAUNCHED TO BRING THE BORTEEG DEPOSIT INTO ECONOMIC CIRCULATION WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2026/01/08      УЛААНБААТАРТ ӨНДӨР ТЕХНОЛОГИЙН ХОЁР ҮЙЛДВЭР БАЙГУУЛЖ, УСАН ХАНГАМЖИЙГ 80 ХУВИАР НЭМЭГДҮҮЛЛЭЭ WWW.GOGO.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/09     ХУУЛЬ БУС ЭЗЭМШИЛД БАЙСАН 15 БАРИЛГА БАЙГУУЛАМЖИЙГ НИЙСЛЭЛД БУЦААН АВЧЭЭ WWW.NEWS.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/09     МОНГОЛ УЛСАД 37 097 ГАДААД ИРГЭН ОРШИН СУУХ БҮРТГЭЛТЭЙ БАЙНА WWW.EAGLE.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/09     ҮСХ: 12 ДУГААР САРЫН ИНФЛЯЦ 7.5 ХУВЬТАЙ ГАРЛАА WWW.EAGLE.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/09     2026 ОНД НИЙСЛЭЛД ХЭРЭГЖИХ ТОМООХОН БҮТЭЭН БАЙГУУЛАЛТУУД WWW.ITOIM.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/09     ДУЛААНЫ ТАРИФ НЭМЭГДҮҮЛЭХ ШИЙДВЭРИЙГ ХОЙШЛУУЛЖ, 2027 ОНЫ НЭГДҮГЭЭР САРЫН 1-НЭЭС НЭМНЭ WWW.EGUUR.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/09     НИЙГМИЙН ДААТГАЛЫН ӨР ТӨЛБӨРТ ТООЦОЖ, "КАПИТАЛ" БАНКНААС ХУРААСАН ХӨРӨНГИЙГ ДУУДЛАГААР ХУДАЛДАНА WWW.GOGO.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/09     НИЙСЛЭЛИЙН 19 БАЙРШИЛД 11.7 КМ АВТО ЗАМЫН БОРООНЫ УС ЗАЙЛУУЛАХ ШУГАМ УГСАРНА WWW.ITOIM.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/08     "БНХАУ-ЫН НЭГ КОМПАНИТАЙ ШАТАХУУНЫ ГЭРЭЭ БАЙГУУЛСАН" WWW.NEWS.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/08     ЕРӨНХИЙ САЙД Г.ЗАНДАНШАТАР “РИО ТИНТО-Д ХАТУУ ШААРДЛАГА ХҮРГҮҮЛНЭ WWW.NEWS.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/08    

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MBCC “Doing Business with Mongolia seminar and Christmas Receptiom” Dec 10. 2025 London UK MBCCI London UK Goodman LLC

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Kincora charts value-add path at Bronze Fox www.mining.com.au

Kincora Copper (ASX:KCC) is considering a range of options for its Bronze Fox Copper-Gold Project in Mongolia after re-securing the full rights to the project.  
The junior explorer, which has a market capitalisation of around $33 million, is assessing the path forward, which could include focused self-funded exploration, third party investment and other corporate initiatives. 
CEO Sam Spring tells Mining.com.au Kincora is now able to consider some potentially significant near-term value catalysts and explore existing and new interest in the portfolio.
Near-term value-add options being investigated include a submission for a second mining licence at Bronze Fox and fresh mining studies relating to the existing oxide resource. 
Kincora re-secured the full rights to Bronze Fox following partner Orbminco’s (ASX:OB1) withdrawal from the September 2024 earn-in agreement given its primary focus now being on Australian gold exploration.
The Mongolian portfolio hosts three shallow and underexplored copper-gold prospective intrusive complexes with an existing resource of over 400,000 tonnes of copper and 400,000 ounces of gold.
Initial mapping, trenching and drilling has also confirmed the expansion and higher grade potential of the existing resource.
The project is located in the Southern Gobi region of Mongolia, which is emerging as a critical new source of copper supply.
The region has an endowment of 85 million ounces of gold and 50 million tonnes of copper, which has drawn the likes of Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO), BHP (ASX:BHP), China’s Zijin Mining Group (HKG:2899) and the original Ivanhoe Mines (TSX:IVN) (which became Turquoise Hill and was acquired by Rio Tinto in late 2022).
Kincora says the development comes at a time of several positive developments highlighting the potential of Mongolia’s resource sector as well as the Bronze Fox Project.
This includes the recent $160 million takeover of Xanadu Mines and its Kharmagtai Copper-Gold Project by Singapore’s Bastion Mining. 
Spring says the cash deal for Xanadu supports a peer valuation of $28 million for the Bronze Fox project based on resource multiples. 
However, he adds the real upside to the project is its largely untapped exploration potential across three very large, from surface intrusive complexes. 
This includes the Shuteen North complex which has never been drilled and Kincora believes is related to the “massive” Shuteen lithocap. 
“The importance of this conceptual setting is very significant given the lithocap at the Oyu Tolgoi project was an important early stage exploration marker and the size of the Shuteen lithocap relative to Oyu Tolgoi. 
“In our mind this is a great example of the remaining potential in the Southern Gobi and also within our asset portfolio.”
Meanwhile, Erdene Resource Development just last week announced it had poured first gold at its Bayan Khundii Mine and construction is progressing at the privately held Tsagaan Suvarga Copper-Molybdenum Project.
Additionally, expansion at Rio Tinto’s Oyu Tolgoi Copper-Gold Project is setting the operation up to become the fourth largest copper mine by 2030.
“Our 100% owned Bronze Fox project is the fourth emerging porphyry complex in this rapidly developing copper district,” Spring says. 
Kincora says the Bronze Fox Project is one of the largest land positions and porphyry complexes in the Southern Gobi copper-gold belt.     
Write to Angela East at Mining.com.au

 

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Mongolian Tugrug Declines Against Major Currencies in August 2025 www.montsame.mn

The Bank of Mongolia reported that as of August 2025, the average monthly exchange rate of the Mongolian tugrug (MNT) against the US dollar (USD) was MNT 3,592.14, down MNT 211.2 year-on-year and MNT 7.3 from July 2025.
According to the National Statistics Committee, in August, the tugrug averaged MNT 4,177.96 per euro, down MNT 454.90 year-on-year and up MNT 13.1 month-on-month.
It also averaged MNT 44.88 per Russian ruble, down MNT 7.00 year-on-year and up by MNT 0.4 month-on-month.
Against the Chinese yuan, the tugrug stood at MNT 500.67 in August 2025, down MNT 28.0 year-on-year and by MNT 0.8 month-on-month.

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Control over e-cigarette to strengthen www.ubpost.mn

In a move to curb the rising use of tobacco products, particularly among adolescents and young people, 23 parliamentarians formally submitted a draft amendment to the Law on Tobacco Control to the Speaker of the Parliament, D.Amarbayasgalan. The proposal, backed by 76 members of the legislature, aims to tighten regulations on all forms of smoking including electronic cigarettes and introduce comprehensive prevention measures.
The proposed amendments seek to classify e-cigarettes under the same regulatory framework as traditional tobacco products, citing their growing popularity among youth and associated health risks. Lawmakers emphasized the urgency of the measure, noting that without decisive action, future generations could fall victim to harmful addiction and its long-term consequences.
According to data from the Parliament’s Press Department, tobacco-related illnesses are a major public health burden in Mongolia. Tobacco use is responsible for 17 percent of all deaths in the country approximately 4,300 deaths annually. The economic impact is equally alarming, with tobacco use costing the nation around 801 billion MNT each year, or 2.1 percent of its GDP.
Despite earlier efforts  including the original Tobacco Control Law adopted in 1993 and amended eight times since 2005, assessments show that weak enforcement, poor inter-agency coordination, and a rise in illegal tobacco trade have hampered progress. These gaps have contributed to a worrying surge in tobacco use among the country's youth. The new draft law is designed to close those gaps. It proposes regulating electronic cigarettes in the same manner as traditional cigarettes, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, and increasing excise taxes on tobacco products in stages from 2025 to 2030, in line with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.
Lawmakers cited the 2021 WHO report “E-cigarettes and Health,” which warns that e-cigarettes pose significant risks, including respiratory inflammation, cardiovascular issues, and nicotine addiction. The report also emphasized that e-cigarettes are not a proven tool for smoking cessation, but rather a new path to addiction, particularly for adolescents.
Researchers involved in drafting the amendment argue that Mongolia’s relatively low tobacco prices and lower-than-recommended tax rates are key factors behind the increased consumption. Drawing on international best practices, the bill aims to reduce both morbidity and mortality by making tobacco products less accessible and by supporting long-term public health strategies.
If passed, the law would reportedly mark a major shift in Mongolia’s approach to tobacco control to safeguard the health of younger generations and reduce the economic and social costs of smoking.

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Mongolia and China to Expand Cooperation in Combating Transnational Crime www.montsame.mn

Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs of Mongolia, Munkhbaatar Lhagva, met with State Councilor and Minister of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Xiaohong, on September 19, 2025, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in law enforcement.
The meeting took place during the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum, and Minister Munkhbaatar emphasized the forum’s role as a vital platform for international dialogue, the exchange of experiences, and the development of joint solutions in public security. The Minister noted that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Mongolia and China continues to expand across all sectors, including the development of close and effective cooperation between their law enforcement agencies.
During the meeting, the Ministers commended the progress made under the 2022–2026 Cooperation Program between the Ministry of Justice and Internal Affairs of Mongolia and the Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China. To protect citizens' rights and legal interests, the two parties agreed to renew and enrich this program for the 2026–2030 period, with a focus on increasing the institutional capacity of law enforcement agencies, improving preventive measures against crime, and enhancing efforts to combat transnational crimes.
A key area of focus in the next phase of cooperation will be strengthening border control measures to prevent the illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The two countries intend to increase the exchange of information and experience regarding the detection, analysis, and registration of these substances, as well as the equipment and methodologies used in such processes. They also discussed enhancing training and capacity-building for personnel involved in these tasks.
The two sides expressed a shared interest in strengthening cooperation on cybercrime, improving information exchange and prevention strategies, including public awareness initiatives and the adoption of modern technologies. Cooperation will also extend to protecting the investment environment, preventing fraud-related offenses, and strengthening mechanisms to uphold the lawful rights and interests of citizens.
The Ministry of Public Security of China has provided specialized equipment and resources to the Mongolian police for their participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions. The two sides also discussed continuing this cooperation and expanding opportunities for Mongolian law enforcement personnel to participate in short- and long-term training programs at Chinese law enforcement institutions.

 

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More Than 2,500 Engineers and Specialists Engaged in Bagakhangai-Hunnu City Railway Project www.montsame.mn

Approximately 2,500 specialists from around 110 domestic enterprises are participating in the construction of the Bagakhangai–Hunnu city Railway Project.
The railway's extended length is 151.2 kilometers, with an axle load capacity of 25 tons and an average annual freight capacity of 3.5 million tons.
The Government adopted a resolution on August 14, 2025, regarding “Certain measures related to the construction of branch railways,” which included implementing the Bagakhangai-Hunnu city branch Railway Project, relocating freight terminals from the Capital city center, and reorganizing logistics. The railway, branching from Bagakhangai station of Ulaanbaatar Railway JVC and passing through Sergelen soum of Tuv aimag to Khushig Valley, is planned to be of class III, with a total length of 102.5 kilometers and a gauge of 1,520 millimeters, and to include three stations, four sidings, and a 2.5-kilometer bridge structure.
The Project is being implemented in two phases. In the first phase, the upper and lower structures of 87.4 kilometers of railway from Bagakhangai station to Khushig station will be constructed. In the second phase, 14.6 kilometers of railway from Khushig station to Shuvuun Fabrik will be built. Construction work is proceeding in accordance with the plan. Specifically, the excavation works have reached 98.7 percent, the embankment works 91.6 percent, the girder bridges 76 percent, the culvert works 75.4 percent, and the track-laying 44.8 percent.
Upon the completion of this branch railway, goods transported to provinces and imported products will be received directly at the “Khushig Valley” and “Orgokh Uul” terminals without entering Ulaanbaatar. As a result, the heavy truck traffic load within the capital city is expected to be reduced by up to 50 percent.
Since there is no unified freight logistics center in the capital that meets international standards, freight and goods are currently distributed to Ulaanbaatar and 21 aimags through more than 10 terminals and over 300 branch lines located in the city center. This situation not only negatively impacts road damage, traffic congestion, and air, soil, and environmental pollution, but also increases the risk of hazardous goods passing through the city center.

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China August Coal Imports from Mongolia Hit Highest Since at Least 2022 www.english.aawsat.com

China's coal imports from Mongolia rose 13% in August from a year earlier to 8.41 million metric tons, up 20.2% from July and the highest monthly level since Reuters began tracking the data in 2022.
The imports included more than 6 million tons of coking coal from Mongolia in August, up 21% from July and the highest since December 2023.
By contrast, China's August coal imports from its top supplier Indonesia fell 13% from a year earlier to 17.6 million tons, customs data showed Saturday.
Imports from Indonesia, however, rose 33.6% from July. For the first eight months of the year, shipments from Indonesia dropped 15% year over year to 121.76 million tons.
Indonesia in late August cancelled a requirement to use government benchmark prices as the floor price in its coal sales, which is one reason for the lower Indonesian imports this year.
Buyers and exporters prefer the previous Indonesian Coal Index to price shipments because the government's benchmark was opaque, updated less frequently and more expensive.
The policy's cancellation may now boost China's coal imports from Indonesia, analysts said.
China's overall coal imports rose to an eight-month high in August, supported by higher domestic prices, but were still down 7% from a year earlier level on weak demand and higher domestic supply.
Below are figures on China's imports from its top four suppliers: Country August Year-on-year Jan-August Year-on-year % change 2025 % change 2025 Indonesia -13% -15% 17,605,534 121,761,520 Russia -7% 59,573,349 -6% 8,116,025 Mongolia 8,411,482 13% 52,630,081 -2% Australia 6,697,696 8% 48,888,739 -2%

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Mongolian Rock Phenoms The Hu Release ‘Echos of Thunder’ EP With Alice In Chains, Neon Trees, and More www.thatericalper.com

While their legions of fans anxiously await a new album, innovative Mongolian rock group and global phenomenon The Hu-Galaa, Jaya, Temka, and Enkush have released a new digital EP ECHOS OF THUNDER via Better Noise Music.
It contains alternate versions of three standout songs from their album, RUMBLE OF THUNDER-“This Is Mongol,” “Bii Biyelgee,” and “Triangle”-with special guests including members of Alice In Chains, Thousand Foot Krutch, and Neon Trees, as well as ROME.
The visualizer video for “This Is Mongol (Warrior Souls) (Feat. William DuVall from Alice In Chains and Trevor McNevan from Thousand Foot Krutch) – Teerawk Remix” has also been released.
“This Is Mongol” receives a dynamic remix treatment by Trevor McNevan of Thousand Foot Krutch, working under his remix alias Teerawk. Teerawk brings his signature energy to the track, layering in additional vocals and lyrics that both complement and expand upon William DuVall’s (Alice In Chains) original vision. The ECHOS OF THUNDER EP also contains “Bii Biyelgee,” featuring Tyler Glenn of Neon Trees, and “Triangle,” featuring ROME, offering listeners a diverse and compelling reimagining of the original album’s spirit. The EP also includes the original versions of “This Is Mongol,” “Bii Biyelgee,” and “Triangle.”
“I am glad that our label partners at Better Noise Music suggested this EP because, as I like to say, from Classic Rock to Heavy Metal, our genre of Hunnu Rock has no limits,” says frontman Galaa. “The ECHOS OF THUNDER EP presents an opportunity for more collaborations with different artists to expand on our original music. We hope our loyal fans will enjoy these new versions of songs from the RUMBLE OF THUNDER album!”
In touring news, the European leg of The HU’s headlining “Incarnation” world tour kicked off June 6 in Maastricht, NL. It will coincide with a series of shows supporting Scandinavian folk band Heilung on their final tour. THE HU will also appear on several of Europe’s largest heavy music festivals during the run, including Hellfest and Graspop Metal Meeting.

 

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Mongolia to Host UNCCD COP17 With Participation of 10,000 Delegates www.montsame.mn

The 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17) will be held in Mongolia from August 17 to 28, 2026.
More than 10,000 delegates from over 190 countries are expected to attend the conference, where participants will discuss pressing global environmental challenges, including desertification, land degradation, drought, and pastureland management, as well as solutions to address these issues.
Hosting UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia will showcase the country’s active role in combating desertification and generate positive impacts for tourism and international cooperation. It will also provide opportunities to present Mongolia’s policies and management practices in environmental protection and climate change mitigation, while learning from the experiences of other countries. In addition, the conference will open doors to new investment and financial support for projects and programs focused on land and pasture management, as well as anti-desertification measures, thereby expanding international cooperation in the environmental sector.
The event will also create opportunities for the exchange of scientific knowledge, innovation, and the introduction of advanced technologies and best practices in Mongolia. At the same time, it will serve as a platform to promote the country’s history, culture, and traditions to international delegates, media representatives, and visitors, thereby contributing to the growth of the tourism, entertainment, and transportation sectors. Citizens will also be able to participate in volunteer, cultural, and social campaigns during the conference, creating temporary job opportunities.

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CNN's Blueprint spotlights the innovators propelling Mongolia into a digital future www.cnn.com

 For many, Mongolia is a destination to explore its vast wilderness and disconnect from the outside world. For Mongolians, however, connectivity is everything. With 3.5 million people and 5 million active phone numbers, digital life is thriving - especially in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. CNN'sBlueprint examines how the booming startup scene led by young Mongolian innovators is reshaping people's lives and driving solutions to pressing issues like pollution, congestion and climate change.
Among Mongolia's standout innovators is the team behind UBCab, a local ride-hailing startup tackling Ulaanbaatar's urban navigation challenges. By combining Google Maps data with custom input based on local landmarks and unofficial addresses, UBCab has developed a tailored mapping system that brings greater efficiency to the city's transportation network. Another local startup, Tapatrip, is a travel and transport platform designed to allow locals and tourists alike to explore Mongolia with greater convenience. With plans for global expansion, CEO Erdenechimeg Davaasuren hopes this will become Mongolia's first billion-dollar startup.
The surge in mobile connectivity also sets the stage for a new era of online commerce in Mongolia. Shoppy, launched in 2017 by Mendbayar Tseveen, integrates global marketplaces and serves as a ticketing platform for major events like the Playtime Music Festival. Another ecommerce platform, Stora, led by Enkhjin Otgonbayar, connects Mongolian consumers to products from Chinese and American marketplaces through its fully integrated logistics platform that optimises shipping lead times.
In addition to digital innovation, Mongolian entrepreneurs are also tackling climate change through sustainable infrastructure. Oyuka Munkhbat and Batmunkh Myagmardorj, co-founders of Airee, developed the country's first biodegradable wool air filters to address the issue of worsening indoor air pollution.
As well, efforts to build greener physical infrastructure are also gaining momentum. Mongolia now boasts its first LEED Platinum-certified building, featuring advanced insulation, solar panels, and energy-efficient HVAC systems. The building is home to IM Motors, where Gantulkhuur Bekhbat, CEO of MMS, is championing a vision of an energy-independent Mongolia, powered by sustainable infrastructure for electric vehicles.
Airtimes for 30-minute special:
Saturday, 20th September at 12:30pm HKT
Sunday, 21st September at 11am and 6pm HKT
Monday, 22nd September at 1:30am HKT
About CNN International 
CNN's portfolio of news and information services is available in seven different languages across all major TV, digital and mobile platforms, reaching more than 379 million households around the globe. CNN International is the number one international TV news channel according to all major media surveys across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific region, and Latin America and has a US presence that includes CNNgo. CNN Digital is a leading network for online news, mobile news and social media. CNN is at the forefront of digital innovation and continues to invest heavily in expanding its digital global footprint, with a suite of award-winning digital properties and a range of strategic content partnerships, commercialised through a strong data-driven understanding of audience behaviours. CNN has won multiple prestigious awards around the world for its journalism. Around 1,000 hours of long-form series, documentaries and specials are produced every year by CNNI's non-news programming division. CNN has 36 editorial offices and more than 1,100 affiliates worldwide through CNN Newsource. CNN International is a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

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What Is Driving Closer Japan-Mongolia Ties? www.thediplomat.mn

In July, Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Mongolia in a trip wrought with symbolism. In East Asia’s geographical configuration, changes in the external and domestic environment are playing a role in Ulaanbaatar and Tokyo’s renewed partnership.
Emperor Naruhito’s state visit to Mongolia — the first by a Japanese emperor — was highly symbolic, reflecting both historical reconciliation and a new era of partnership. The visit came shortly before the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II – in which Mongolia and Japan fought on different sides – as well as the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which resulted in Japan’s surrender.
To Mongolia, this historical symbolism serves as a leading foreign policy tool. Ulaanbaatar has a strategic interest in having Japan as a third neighbor, as the relationship intertwines shared democratic values with economic and technological advantages. 
In 2022, Mongolia and Japan upgraded their 2010 Strategic Partnership to a “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity.” The upgrade promised greater cooperation not only in the East Asia region but also extending to the Indo-Pacific. The augmented partnership aimed to implement human-centered development with a 10-year plan from 2022-2031. Ulaanbaatar is most keen to see cooperation in areas like investment, infrastructure, renewable energy, and technology. As of 2023, Japan had invested over $1 billion in Mongolia.
In recent years, Japan has shown more interest in Mongolia’s critical minerals, especially, copper, fluorspar, and rare earths that can be utilized for Japan’s advanced manufacturing in robotics, automobiles, and semiconductors.
In addition, Japan has invested in renewable energy. The government of Mongolia partnered with the Asian Development Bank, the Japan Fund for Joint Credit Mechanism, and the Strategic Climate Fund in the Upscaling Renewable Energy Sector Project. “Upon successful completion,” the ADB description noted, the project will deliver “clean electricity to 70,000 households while annually avoiding 82,789 tons of carbon dioxide emission.”
The United States’ slashing of financial commitments – including in the clean energy sector after its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement – will force regional actors like Mongolia, Japan, and South Korea to cooperate regionally and rely on each other.  
To Japan, Mongolia’s cooperation on food security is crucial. There is growing concern for ensuring long-term food security, and Japanese policymakers have been seeking alternatives sources. The Special Strategic Partnership between Mongolia and Japan thus includes cooperation on food security, regenerative agricultural practices, forestry and fisheries. 
While bilateral cooperation between Mongolia and Japan is crucial for people-to-people relations and developmental projects, in East Asian security context, the Japan-Mongolia relationship certainly carries geopolitical connotations.
Since 2011, Mongolia’s third neighbor policy has enlarged Ulaanbaatar’s foreign policy sphere. This is to Tokyo’s advantage, as Mongolia’s third neighbor initiatives serve as an additional platform for Japan to conduct diplomacy. These mechanisms support trilateral partnerships between Mongolia, Japan, and the U.S. and help promote peaceful resolutions to protracted challenges concerning denuclearization of North Korea, and abduction issues. The annual Ulaanbaatar Dialogue on Northeast Asia is one example. 
Another element in the renewed Japan-Mongolia partnership is the changing geopolitical paradigm in East Asia, including the changing U.S. policy toward its Asian allies. Although this may not have a direct impact on Japan-Mongolia relations, it will impact the potential of Japan-Mongolia-U.S. trilateral mechanisms. 
The Trump administration’s tariffs and emphasis on burden sharing are clear indications of the shrinking U.S. direct presence in the region.
Japan recognizes this change and is responding to it by strengthening relations with other partners, including Mongolia. Regional stability is crucial for both countries’ security and economic development. 
For Mongolian foreign policy, in addition to having strong ties with Russia and China, robust third neighbor bilateral and trilateral mechanisms are crucial. Given the rising geopolitical uncertainties and sharpening of strategic competition, Mongolia and Japan’s strengthened relationship is indeed timely. Despite the current transition in Japanese leadership, the two governments will continue to cooperate toward a more focused, people-to-people level of partnership.  
Guest Author
Bolor Lkhaajav
Bolor Lkhaajav is a researcher specializing in Mongolia, China, Russia, Japan, East Asia, and the Americas. She holds an M.A. in Asia-Pacific Studies from the University of San Francisco.

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