Mongolia and China: exemplary neighborliness — bilateral trade to reach $20 billion in 2026, Ulaanbaatar reaffirms One‑China principle
President Khurelsukh called relations with China a model for the region. Wang Yi: China has both the will and the capacity to be a reliable neighbor, a trustworthy friend and a partner in accelerating Mongolia's development. The sides intend to expand cooperation in transport, energy, green development and the digital economy.
As reported by CCTV+, on Saturday in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh met with Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and China's Foreign Minister. Khurelsukh stated that Mongolia‑China relations have become a model for interstate relations in the region. He said that both countries consistently respect each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation across various sectors. He noted that bilateral trade is expected to reach 20 billion US dollars this year.
Calling China a good neighbor of Mongolia, Khurelsukh said that developing friendly relations with China is one of the main priorities of Mongolia's foreign policy. He stressed Mongolia's commitment to the One‑China principle, regarding Taiwan as an inalienable part of China's territory, and opposing any form of "Taiwan independence." He also views issues related to Hong Kong, Xizang and Xinjiang as China's internal affairs. Mongolia will not take any actions that damage China's interests, regardless of its relations with other countries. He also noted that Mongolia is ready to strengthen cooperation with China in regional and international affairs.
For his part, Wang Yi said that China has always placed China‑Mongolia relations in an important position in its neighborhood diplomacy. He noted that China has both the will and the capacity to be a reliable neighbor, a trustworthy friend and a partner in accelerating Mongolia's development. Wang reaffirmed China's respect for Mongolia's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its chosen development path. He expressed readiness to work more closely with Mongolia to align development strategies, fully tap the potential of bilateral cooperation, expand existing collaboration in areas such as transport connectivity, energy and mineral resources, trade and investment, and create new growth drivers for cooperation in critical minerals, green development, the digital economy and other promising fields.
During his three‑day visit, Wang also plans to meet with Mongolian Prime Minister Nyam‑Osoryn Ochral and hold talks with Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battseceg.
Relations between China and Mongolia have developed dynamically in recent years. China is Mongolia's largest trading partner. In 2025, bilateral trade reached about $18 billion, and the forecast for 2026 is $20 billion. Mongolia is also important for China's Belt and Road Initiative as a neighboring country through which land routes to Russia and Central Asia pass.
Two countries separated by vast steppes are connected not only by a border but also by shared interests. Mongolia, choosing China as a reliable neighbor, bets on predictability and mutual respect. $20 billion in trade is not just a figure. It is thousands of trucks at border crossings, joint power plants, schools where Chinese is taught. And when the President of Mongolia speaks of Taiwan as part of China, and China's Foreign Minister reaffirms respect for Mongolia's development path, that "exemplary" model of neighborliness is born — where every step is not competition but synergy.
