ABSTRACT
The chapter explains the historical engagements between Mongolia and China. In the pre-Cold War era, the Mongolia was dominated by the erstwhile Soviet Union. In the post-Cold War era, however, China dominates Mongolia while the contested political space is divided between pro-Russian and pro-Chinese legislators in the Mongolian parliament. Both China and Russia seem to have a tacit understanding of providing a security umbrella and economic cover to Mongolia. However, the rise of China has intensified the debate about the “China Threat” in the Mongolian policy circle and issues such as its geopolitical implications and sovereignty and security concerns are dominating the debate. In this context, the chapter tries to critically assess the transport and connectivity aspects of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor (CMREC), in particular the section of Tianjin-Ulaanbaatar-UlanUde Central Route, its current status and geopolitical dimensions, ecological concerns and other issues related with it.
