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Mongolia

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Mongolia. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Ulaanbaatar

Head of State

President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh

Head of Government

Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene

Horse rider Dolgorsuren Batoyun (centre) is pictured as a child. Now grown up, the first woman member of Mongolia’s national polo team looks back fondly on the “cultures and customs” her father (right) taught her. Photo: Dominique Backhouse

Year of the Horse 2026

Mongolia’s child jockeys are key to its heritage. But are they in danger?

Light and agile, children have long held the reins in Mongolian horse racing. But the hazards of the sport make it anything but child’s play.

16 Dec 2025 - 3:47PM

Chinese culture

How China changed during the Yuan dynasty, when Mongols ruled

8 Nov 2025 - 5:15PM

China property

Hilton to prioritise luxury in China, eyes presence in 320 destinations

23 Oct 2025 - 12:11PM

Mongolia’s president blocks PM’s dismissal amid mineral tax row

The veto of Gombojav Zandanshatar’s dismissal, sparked debate over mineral tax policy and parliamentary procedures.

20 Oct 2025 - 7:31PM

Mongolian Prime Minister Gombojav Zandanshatar looks on as he attends a vote on his dismissal during a plenary session at the parliament in Ulaanbaatar on October 17. Photo: AFP

Asia elections

Mongolia’s prime minister ousted in ruling party power struggle

His dramatic removal after only four months came amid a national budget crisis, widespread strikes and counteraccusations of corruption.

17 Oct 2025 - 5:04PM

Science

Was Venice’s winged lion made in China and delivered by Marco Polo’s family?

Italian researchers believe the famous statue may have originated in Tang dynasty China but Chinese scholars are not convinced.

4 Oct 2025 - 4:01PMvideocam

Diplomacy

Opinion | Apec offers a stage for China, US and two Koreas to make peace

With Trump and Xi set to attend, it could pave the way for a US-North Korea summit and mend China-South Korea ties.

27 Sep 2025 - 5:30AMvideocam

United Nations

Calls grow for first female UN chief in 80 years: ‘let’s make history’

All nine people to hold the top job have been men, including Secretary General Antonio Guterres, whose second term ends next year.

27 Sep 2025 - 2:40AM

Diplomacy

Opinion | Focusing on pageantry, the West misses the point of China’s diplomacy

The West must realise the real contest is not about pageantry but which power can create space for others to feel secure, dignified, heard.

19 Sep 2025 - 9:30AMvideocam

China-Russia relations

Opinion | Why China, not Russia, will gain most from Power of Siberia 2 pipeline

The new pipeline will allow China to buy Russian gas at below-market prices and make Moscow even more dependent on Beijing.

10 Sep 2025 - 4:30PMvideocam

Russias President Vladimir Putin signs on the first segment of the Power of Siberia pipeline during a ceremony at the village of Us Khatyn in Russia on September 1, 2014. Photo: Reuters

China’s military drills

China, Russia and Mongolia team up for first-ever border defence drill

Three neighbours staged exercise aimed at cracking down on ‘terrorist sabotage activities in border areas’, PLA says.

9 Sep 2025 - 8:00PM

The “Border Defence Cooperation 2025” exercise is held in China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region, near the border with Russia and Mongolia. Photo: CCTV

China-Russia relations

China-Russia pipeline would be ‘shock’ to global LNG trade: analysts

If completed, the Power of Siberia 2 would cement Beijing and Moscow’s energy ties - and cause a headache for the US, the world’s top LNG exporter.

8 Sep 2025 - 9:00PMvideocam

China-Russia relations

China’s vision of multipolar order depends on yuan-based system: Oleg Deripaska

Russian billionaire and Putin associate says Beijing is taking a cautious tack on dedollarisation.

11 Sep 2025 - 10:08PMvideocam

China-Russia relations

Why huge China-Russia gas pipeline deal could face ‘key obstacle’

Russian media reports two sides have signed an MoU to build the long-awaited project, but analysts warn price dispute remains sticking point.

2 Sep 2025 - 9:30PMvideocam

Russian and Chinese national flags fly ahead of a ceremony to welcome Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, at Tianjin Binhai International Airport, on August 31. Photo: dpa

China-Russia relations

Xi urges Russia and Mongolia to block ‘external interference’, forge closer ties

Chinese leader calls for ‘hard connectivity’ among the three neighbours, aligning infrastructure and energy development strategies.

2 Sep 2025 - 9:54PMvideocam

Chinese President Xi Jinping with his Russian and Mongolian counterparts ahead of their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photo: Kremlin/dpa

SCO

Foreign leaders ride the rapid rails of China’s tech prowess after SCO summit

Blazing from Tianjin to Beijing on China’s signature high-speed railway, several state leaders are given a glimpse of rapid and lucrative modernisation efforts.

5 Sep 2025 - 11:35AMvideocam

China-Russia relations

Russia wins China gas deal as Trump fails to divide ‘no limits’ partners

Agreement to build the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline reinforces tight links between Russia and China, while rebuffing US efforts to drive them apart.

2 Sep 2025 - 5:01PM

SCMP Highlights

Beijing bets on AI, China’s ‘doll economy’ boom: SCMP daily highlights

From China’s ‘doll economy’ boom to the possible expansion of the ‘Great Green Wall’ to Mongolia, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

25 Aug 2025 - 9:15PM

People attend the launch event of the first commercial application of artificial intelligence for the mining industry in China’s Shandong province in 2023. From 2023 to 2028, China’s smart computing power is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 46.2 per cent, a new report shows. Photo: EPA-EFE

Science

Will China’s ‘Great Green Wall’ expand to Mongolia?

Researchers from either side are discussing ‘joint construction’ of ecological security barrier as climate change worsens desertification.

25 Aug 2025 - 5:42PMvideocam

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong’s annual Food Expo, co-events to attract 50 extra vendors this year

Trade Development Council, events’ organiser, says about 1,890 exhibitors to join five fairs, including more than 700 for Food Expo.

6 Aug 2025 - 7:38PM

Science

China says Mazu weather warning AI will help nations prepare for disaster

China Meteorological Administration nods to sea goddess in unveiling Multi-hazard Alert Zero-gap and Universal system.

29 Jul 2025 - 4:15PMvideocam

China says its Mazu AI-powered weather warning system is a symbol of Beijing’s joint response to extreme weather and will aid developing nations. Photo: Shutterstock

Accidents and disasters in China

6 Chinese university students drown on mine field trip in Inner Mongolia

The students, reported to be in their third year and majoring in mineral processing engineering, fell into a tank at Wunugetushan mine.

1 Aug 2025 - 1:17PM

A protective panel reportedly gave way at a plant in Inner Mongolia. Photo: Handout

China society

My Take | Is China a just society? Economic woes erode public perception of fairness

The case of Chinese actress Nashi, who was found to have used subterfuge to get ahead in her studies, touched a raw nerve on the mainland.

24 Jun 2025 - 7:00AMvideocam

Protests around the world

Mongolia’s prime minister resigns after losing confidence vote

The secret ballot followed days of protests in the capital Ulaanbaatar against alleged corruption.

3 Jun 2025 - 8:40AM

Artificial intelligence

China deploys world’s biggest fleet of driverless mining trucks

The project aligns with the nation’s broader push to upgrade traditional industries with AI and other advanced technologies.

15 May 2025 - 7:00PM

A fleet of unmanned trucks developed with Huawei’s autonomous driving solution, seen in Inner Mongolia. Photo: Handout

Belt and Road Initiative

China’s rail ambitions receive another boost as Mongolia approves new line

China is also moving forward with cross-border rail projects in Central Asia and Southeast Asia.

8 Apr 2025 - 6:30AMvideocam

Mongolia projects that the new cross-border rail link with China will boost the country’s coal exports by millions of tons per year. Photo: Twitter

China trade

China lays track for stronger regional relations through railway lines

China’s neighbours in Southeast and Central Asia have begun construction or made agreements on cross-border railway projects, bolstering bilateral ties.

15 Mar 2025 - 5:00PMvideocam

China energy security

Exclusive | Mongolia still expects new Russia-China gas pipeline to go ahead

Negotiations over the Power of Siberia 2 project are progressing despite geopolitical turbulence, Mongolian minister says.

7 Mar 2025 - 8:00PM

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Mongolia

Mongolia’s child jockeys are key to its heritage. But are they in danger?

Light and agile, children have long held the reins in Mongolian horse racing. But the hazards of the sport make it anything but child’s play.

How China changed during the Yuan dynasty, when Mongols ruled

Hilton to prioritise luxury in China, eyes presence in 320 destinations

Mongolia’s president blocks PM’s dismissal amid mineral tax row

The veto of Gombojav Zandanshatar’s dismissal, sparked debate over mineral tax policy and parliamentary procedures.

Mongolia’s prime minister ousted in ruling party power struggle

His dramatic removal after only four months came amid a national budget crisis, widespread strikes and counteraccusations of corruption.

Was Venice’s winged lion made in China and delivered by Marco Polo’s family?

Italian researchers believe the famous statue may have originated in Tang dynasty China but Chinese scholars are not convinced.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Apec offers a stage for China, US and two Koreas to make peace

With Trump and Xi set to attend, it could pave the way for a US-North Korea summit and mend China-South Korea ties.

Calls grow for first female UN chief in 80 years: ‘let’s make history’

All nine people to hold the top job have been men, including Secretary General Antonio Guterres, whose second term ends next year.

Opinion | Focusing on pageantry, the West misses the point of China’s diplomacy

The West must realise the real contest is not about pageantry but which power can create space for others to feel secure, dignified, heard.

Opinion | Why China, not Russia, will gain most from Power of Siberia 2 pipeline

The new pipeline will allow China to buy Russian gas at below-market prices and make Moscow even more dependent on Beijing.

China, Russia and Mongolia team up for first-ever border defence drill

Three neighbours staged exercise aimed at cracking down on ‘terrorist sabotage activities in border areas’, PLA says.

China-Russia pipeline would be ‘shock’ to global LNG trade: analysts

If completed, the Power of Siberia 2 would cement Beijing and Moscow’s energy ties - and cause a headache for the US, the world’s top LNG exporter.

China’s vision of multipolar order depends on yuan-based system: Oleg Deripaska

Russian billionaire and Putin associate says Beijing is taking a cautious tack on dedollarisation.

Why huge China-Russia gas pipeline deal could face ‘key obstacle’

Russian media reports two sides have signed an MoU to build the long-awaited project, but analysts warn price dispute remains sticking point.

Xi urges Russia and Mongolia to block ‘external interference’, forge closer ties

Chinese leader calls for ‘hard connectivity’ among the three neighbours, aligning infrastructure and energy development strategies.

Foreign leaders ride the rapid rails of China’s tech prowess after SCO summit

Blazing from Tianjin to Beijing on China’s signature high-speed railway, several state leaders are given a glimpse of rapid and lucrative modernisation efforts.

Russia wins China gas deal as Trump fails to divide ‘no limits’ partners

Agreement to build the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline reinforces tight links between Russia and China, while rebuffing US efforts to drive them apart.

Beijing bets on AI, China’s ‘doll economy’ boom: SCMP daily highlights

From China’s ‘doll economy’ boom to the possible expansion of the ‘Great Green Wall’ to Mongolia, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

Will China’s ‘Great Green Wall’ expand to Mongolia?

Researchers from either side are discussing ‘joint construction’ of ecological security barrier as climate change worsens desertification.

Hong Kong’s annual Food Expo, co-events to attract 50 extra vendors this year

Trade Development Council, events’ organiser, says about 1,890 exhibitors to join five fairs, including more than 700 for Food Expo.

China says Mazu weather warning AI will help nations prepare for disaster

China Meteorological Administration nods to sea goddess in unveiling Multi-hazard Alert Zero-gap and Universal system.

6 Chinese university students drown on mine field trip in Inner Mongolia

The students, reported to be in their third year and majoring in mineral processing engineering, fell into a tank at Wunugetushan mine.

My Take | Is China a just society? Economic woes erode public perception of fairness

The case of Chinese actress Nashi, who was found to have used subterfuge to get ahead in her studies, touched a raw nerve on the mainland.

Mongolia’s prime minister resigns after losing confidence vote

The secret ballot followed days of protests in the capital Ulaanbaatar against alleged corruption.

China deploys world’s biggest fleet of driverless mining trucks

The project aligns with the nation’s broader push to upgrade traditional industries with AI and other advanced technologies.

China’s rail ambitions receive another boost as Mongolia approves new line

China is also moving forward with cross-border rail projects in Central Asia and Southeast Asia.

China lays track for stronger regional relations through railway lines

China’s neighbours in Southeast and Central Asia have begun construction or made agreements on cross-border railway projects, bolstering bilateral ties.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | Mongolia still expects new Russia-China gas pipeline to go ahead

Negotiations over the Power of Siberia 2 project are progressing despite geopolitical turbulence, Mongolian minister says.

Opinion | Apec offers a stage for China, US and two Koreas to make peace

Exclusive | Mongolia still expects new Russia-China gas pipeline to go ahead