What Are the Drivers of Mongolia-Japan Rapprochement?

Lady Bolor
2 days ago
2 min read

In the last decade, Mongolia's partnerships with its regional actors have continued to expand. One of Mongolia's major partner in East Asia is Japan. Coupled with strong historical ties, Ulaanbaatar and Tokyo have made tremendous efforts to augment their bilateral relations. In July, Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Mongolia in a trip wrought with symbolism. In East Asia’s geographical configuration, changes in the external and domestic environment are playing a role in Ulaanbaatar and Tokyo’s renewed partnership.

This month, I am highlighting the relationship between Mongolia and Japan within the context of bilateral relations as well as changing geopolitical circumstances.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's visit to Mongolia:

https://thediplomat.com/2025/07/japanese-emperor-naruhitos-visit-to-mongolia-emphasizes-special-strategic-partnership/

Mongolia-Japan Rapprochement:

https://thediplomat.com/2025/09/what-is-driving-closer-japan-mongolia-ties/

Mongolia's Trilateral Mechanisms with Japan and South Korea:

Mongolia and Japan’s special strategic bilateral relations carries global and regional implications. Enhancing trilateral mechanisms – not only between Japan, Mongolia, and the United States but Japan-Mongolia-South Korea – has benefits for both Ulaanbaatar and Tokyo. That said, under its multipillared foreign policy, Mongolia will continue to avoid joining any blocs but rather seek to establish robust bilateral and trilateral mechanisms.

Mongolia-Japan Defense Cooperation:

In 2024, Mongolia’s Minister of Defense Byambatsogt Sandag and Japan’s Ambassador to Mongolia Igawahara Masaru signed the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of Mongolia concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology. This marked a significant milestone in the defense and diplomatic relations between the two countries and laid the groundwork for enhanced defense cooperation.

This particular agreement can be better understood when we review strategic interests of both countries, the growing need for defense modernization in Mongolia, and Japan’s consistent pursuit of regional stability.

https://thediplomat.com/2025/04/why-japan-and-mongolia-are-expanding-defense-capability-cooperation/