Mongolia's aloofness only hinders itself

• Source: Global Times
• [01:39 November 02 2009]
• Comments

Despite this, China is intentionally and consistently excluded from normal business opportunities in developing Mongolian mineral wealth.

The Erdenut copper mine, which once accounted for one-third of the Mongolian economy, exports 90 percent of its ore to China, yet not a single Chinese company deals with it directly.

Chinese mining companies lag behind their peers from Russia, Canada and Australia in their involvement in Mongolian mines.

Ironically, much of this mining development would have been impossible without Chinese companies' participation in building infrastructure and providing logistical support. Chinese companies are unfairly sacrificed for Mongolia's strategic concerns.

A long-term win-win deal has to be built on sincere cooperation that benefits both sides. Without it, China will suffer losses, but Mongolia probably has more at stake.

The economic growth of China has created a huge demand for natural resources.

China does not deny this, but intends to strengthen cooperation with neighboring countries on the basis of mutual trust and shared benefit.