China's Premier Li Qiang proposed stronger trilateral relations with Russia and Mongolia during a meeting on Wednesday with his counterparts from the two neighboring countries. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
China, Russia, and Mongolia have become closer in recent years. In 2023, Beijing hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by a visit from Mongolia's president. This year, both China and Mongolia warmly welcomed Putin.
Premier Li, China's second-highest official, expressed readiness to deepen mutual trust, improve coordination, and advance trilateral cooperation with Russia and Mongolia. He addressed Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Mongolia's Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene.
Although Mongolia is not a member of the SCO, a China-led Eurasian security organization, it has held observer status since 2004. China continues to encourage Mongolia to consider joining the 10-nation bloc.
Meanwhile, the resource-rich and landlocked country is also engaging with U.S. officials, who have pledged investments in its mining and heavy industry sectors. However, Washington criticized Mongolia's decision to host Putin in September, as the International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued a warrant for his arrest. Mongolia, being one of the ICC's 124 member states, is technically obligated to detain the Russian president if he enters its territory.
Mongolia is on the proposed route for a significant gas pipeline that Russia plans to build, aiming to transport 50 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from its Yamal region to China.
In a separate discussion with Mishustin, Li reaffirmed China's commitment to enhancing trade and energy ties with Russia.
