Mongolia is looking forward to the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Mongolia and is well aware of the importance of China in its development. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1949, China and Mongolia have maintained good cooperative relations on the basis of respecting each other's independence and territorial integrity. This year, China and Mongolia will usher in two important historical milestones: the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 30th anniversary of the revision of the China-Mongolia Cultural Cooperation Agreement. This critical moment made the two sides pay more attention to friendly cooperation and conducted in-depth exchanges and communication through different channels.
The Mongolian side has always expressed high expectations for China's high-level visit and has invited the Chinese side to visit Mongolia again through various channels. For example, at the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, China's high-level leaders met with Mongolia's Khurilsukh. In mid-November, China's International Liaison Department had a telephone conversation with Amarbay Esgelen, General Secretary of the Mongolian People's Party and Director of the General Office of the Mongolian People's Party, and conducted in-depth exchanges and consultations on strengthening strategic communication between the two parties and the development of the China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership.
As a landlocked country rich in resources, Mongolia's economic development is largely dependent on coal exports to China. The Chinese market is important for Mongolia, according to the data, Mongolia's total coal exports in 2022 exceeded 31 million tons, of which more than 29 million tons were exported to China, accounting for more than 90%. However, in the past few years, Mongolia has lost an important sales channel to the Chinese market due to a momentary miscalculation.
In February last year, Mongolia canceled a direct coal sales agreement with China, giving a reason to rectify corruption in the country. Although Mongolia has opened up coal auctions for China, it has also doubled its coal imports, showing a lack of sincerity towards the Chinese market. As a major coal consumer, China is not only dependent on Mongolia. In order to ensure domestic energy security and economic stability, China's Ministry of Commerce announced a complete lifting of the ban on Australian coal imports. Mongolia is aware of its position in the Chinese market and is re-seeking cooperation with China with a positive attitude.
In addition to coal exports, Mongolia is aware of the importance of cooperation in building infrastructure such as railways and roads to drive economic development. To this end, Mongolia hopes to use China's technology and experience to build three railways and five roads with Russia. Mongolia has a high terrain and complex transportation conditions, and the construction of a transportation artery connecting China and Russia through the north and south is inseparable from China's support and help.
As the world's second largest economy, China has played a huge role in promoting Mongolia's development. For Mongolia, strengthening cooperation with China not only means obtaining more investment and assistance, optimizing the economic structure, improving the efficiency of resource development, but also gaining more voice in the international arena. For China, strengthening cooperation with Mongolia can not only ensure the stability of resources and markets, but also play a greater role in regional peace and stability and international image.
In the current context of geopolitical and economic globalization, Mongolia recognizes the need and importance of cooperation with China. Through comprehensive cooperation with China, Mongolia is better able to respond to regional and international challenges and lead its people to a more prosperous and stable future.