Xi's visit to unveil new roadmap for China-Mongolia ties(2)

Statistics indicate that China and Mongolia have a substantial base for further development in this area. China has been Mongolia's largest trading partner and investor in the past 10 years, with the bilateral trade volume reaching 6 billion US dollars in 2013 -- nearly 20 times that in 2002 and more than half of Mongolia's total foreign trade.

In the future, geographical advantages and high complementarities will continue to be a favorable factor in their economic and trade cooperation.

China and Mongolia share 14 border crossings for exports and imports, with the advantage of less transportation distance and lower cost. China imports coal, oil, minerals, livestock and other primary products from Mongolia, while the electromechanical products, agricultural products, construction materials, and textiles from China are also popular in Mongolia.

"China is trying to achieve the Chinese dream. Mongolia is also at a crucial period of economic development, which indicates that there will be new contents in the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries," said Qu Xing, president of China Institute of International Studies.

Xi's upcoming visit will also further enhance mutual understanding between the peoples of China and Mongolia and promote lasting friendship between the two countries.

Experts believe that the Chinese and Mongolian leaders will encourage local governments, civil society and universities to carry out multi-level forms of cultural exchanges, and urge relevant departments to implement bilateral cooperation agreements and programs in the sectors of culture, education, science and technology.

With over a million Mongolians visiting China for tourism, education and medical treatment every year, A "China craze" has been aroused among the Mongolian youth. Mongolia also attracts a large number of Chinese tourists with its rich natural landscape. The two countries have announced the year 2014 as the "China-Mongolia Friendly Exchange Year."

"Communicating demands of the peoples of China and Mongolia is the booster to develop bilateral relations. After all, they are the protagonists in the exchanges of various fields," said the former Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia, Gao Shumao.

ANOTHER STEP FOR PERIPHERAL DIPLOMACY

President Xi's visit to Mongolia is another important step in advancing China's peripheral diplomacy strategy and promoting cooperation in Northeast Asia, which will help create a peaceful and stable surrounding environment.

The new collective leadership of China attached great importance to promoting peripheral diplomacy. President Xi has visited Russia and some neighboring Asian countries in the last two years.

Hao Shiyuan, the assistant to the president of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told Xinhua that Mongolia is an important strategic area in Northeast Asia, and the development of Sino-Mongolian relations will have positive effects on regional stability and cooperation in Northeast Asia.

"The stable and sustainable development of China-Mongolia relations, will help eliminate destabilizing factors on regional security in Northeast Asia," Hao said.

Qu also believes that Xi's trip to Mongolia reflects China's foreign policy of building an "an amicable, tranquil and prosperous neighborhood," which is a significant step to advance Beijing's peripheral diplomacy strategy.

There are no unsettled historical issues between China and Mongolia, and their border remains calm and peaceful, said Gao. "China and Mongolia have played an exemplary role in the border issue. The good-neighborly and friendly relations between the two countries have attracted attention from other neighboring countries."

"President Xi's visit to Mongolia will continue to promote the bilateral strategic cooperation and coordination in international and regional affairs, which will be conducive to peace, stability and prosperity in Northeast Asia in the long term," Huang said.