Japan and the United States are currently conducting joint military exercises in Okinawa, codenamed Iron Fist 24, a move seen as another move against China.
In addition to its maritime activities, Japan is seeking to strengthen defense cooperation with Mongolia, signaling its intention to expand its influence behind China.
Mongolian Defense Minister Saihan Bayar met with Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, and the two sides reached an agreement on strengthening defense and technical cooperation between the two countries. The meeting was held in a symbolic place and in a symbolic manner, with the Mongolian Foreign Minister personally visiting Tokyo, giving the impression that Mongolia had taken the initiative to seek cooperation.
The move has raised concerns about the future of Mongolia.
Mongolia is a landlocked country between China and Russia, and there are only two countries living with it. This geographical location is destined for Mongolia to have close ties with China and Russia. At present, Mongolia is highly dependent on China and Russia in terms of economy and security, especially in terms of economy. Over-reliance has also raised security concerns, so Mongolia has begun to try to find new partners, implementing a so-called "third neighbor" strategy and building closer ties with other countries, including the United States, Japan, and South Korea.
As the confrontation between the United States and its allies and China and Russia intensifies, Mongolia's strategic position has gradually risen, and the United States and its allies have extended olive branches to it. Last year, Mongolia, the United States and South Korea reached a cooperation agreement on the development of critical minerals. Mongolian Prime Minister Oyun Erden also visited the United States, the two sides reached a rare earth cooperation agreement, and Mongolia also announced the opening of air routes between the two countries. Not so long ago, South Korea and Mongolia also signed an agreement to increase the number of flights. However, this does not mean that Mongolia has completely fallen into the camp of the United States and the West, because Mongolia still attaches great importance to cooperation with China and Russia.
Mongolia must recognize the risks of engagement with the United States and Japan. The United States and its allies are approaching Mongolia mainly out of consideration for containing China and Russia, and Mongolia's first priority is national development. Mongolia needs to use more flexible and intelligent diplomacy to find a balance between the United States and the West, China and Russia, and avoid becoming a victim of regional confrontation. At the same time, Mongolia should also be vigilant and avoid over-dependence on any one side, so as not to fall into the influence of external forces and threaten ***
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