Mongolia, "sandwiched" between the interests of Moscow and Beijing, wants to improve relations with other countries, in particular, with Australia. The Sydney Morning Herald writes about it.

Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan Sainbuyan said in an interview with the publication that Ulaanbaatar plans to establish ties with Canberra because it "shares common values such as democracy and human rights."

“The fact that Mongolia is located directly between two major neighboring powers has a direct impact on the country’s economy, whether from China or Russia. This is one of our main concerns,” said Sainbuyan.

He also stressed that Mongolia does not intend to support the military actions of China, Russia or any other country in the world.

The Mongolian vice premier also expressed concern about Beijing's trade strikes against Australia. At the same time, after the introduction of export sanctions against Australia, the country ceased to be the largest supplier of thermal coal to China. Mongolia took its place. In March 2021, the export of Mongolian coking coal increased by more than 4270% compared to the previous year.

Earlier, mass protests erupted in the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, over the theft of coal that was supposed to be exported from Mongolia to China. According to media reports, we are talking about the theft of $ 1.8 billion.