Xi Jinping's Mongolia trip to focus on energy, infrastructure
First visit by president to landlocked neighbour in 11 years expected to yield deals on cross-border transport and infrastructure
China will sign a series of energy and infrastructure deals with Mongolia as part of President Xi Jinping's two-day state visit to the neighbouring country this week, according to the Foreign Ministry.
Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Liu Jianchao said yesterday that the trip would also yield support for Mongolia's plans to boost cross-border transport through China. The trip, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, comes as China tries to expand its influence in Central Asia by promoting its idea of a Silk Road Economic Belt, an initiative designed to expand economic cooperation in the region.
It also comes as China continues to look beyond its borders to meet its growing economy's increasing demand for energy and resources.
Mongolia is also fostering ties with nations such as India and Japan to meet its infrastructure needs. It signed a free-trade deal with Japan last month and is also working to improve logistics links with other nations through China and Russia.
"We are aware of the demand in Mongolia to step up cross-border transport through Chinese territory. We will work hard to help the Mongolians in this regard," Liu said.
"We believe this will benefit economic and trade cooperation between Mongolia and other nations."
