Blinken Hails Closer Ties With Mongolia In Rare Visit

AFP/APP

Ulaanbaatar: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Mongolia on Thursday at the end of a 10-day tour of Asia, celebrating the growing ties between the landlocked democracy and the United States. Mongolia, positioned between the authoritarian powers China and Russia, has attracted increased attention from Washington during this tour.

Blinken’s extensive journey also took him to Southeast Asia and Japan, aiming to reaffirm US support for its allies and counter China’s influence in the region. Despite the emphasis on strengthening relationships, Washington maintains that it is not pursuing a policy of containment against Beijing.

In Vientiane, Laos, Blinken engaged in “frank and productive” discussions with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at the end of last week, according to US officials. During his visits to Japan and the Philippines, Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced enhanced military and defense ties, responding to what they described as Beijing’s “provocations,” particularly in the South China Sea.

In Ulaanbaatar, Blinken underscored that the US approach was not aimed “against any one country,” but rather for a “common vision” of the future. He emphasized, “Part of that common vision is clearly the freedom for any country to make its own decisions and choices about the future.”

Mongolia, a vast and sparsely populated democracy of 3.4 million, held parliamentary elections in June. The United States is looking to deepen its relationship with Mongolia, including fostering “people-to-people” exchanges and maintaining a “comprehensive strategic dialogue.”

During his visit, Blinken met with Mongolian Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg, who had visited Washington the previous week to initiate the strategic dialogue. Blinken also met with President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh and is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, whose ruling party saw its majority diminished in the recent election.

“Mongolia is a central partner in this region,” Blinken stated alongside his counterpart. “The United States and Mongolia are proud third neighbors, linked by shared democratic values and common interests.”

Washington aims to bolster its influence in Mongolia, which has historical ties with Russia and a significant trading relationship with China. Before concluding his trip, Blinken is set to attend the “Naadam” festival, a celebration of Mongolia’s nomadic traditions featuring wrestling, archery, and horse racing.