Japan and Mongolia Strengthen Bonds Amidst Regional Tensions

Japan's Emperor Naruhito is currently in Mongolia, aiming to strengthen ties between the two nations. This visit is significant because it happens in a region where Russia and China have a lot of influence.

Diplomatic Meetings and Trade

Naruhito met with Mongolia's President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Japan is keen on increasing trade with Mongolia, which has plenty of natural resources like coal and copper, mostly exported to China.

The Mongolian government expressed gratitude for Japan's support in building democracy and improving the country's economy. Naruhito, who visited Mongolia in 2007 as a crown prince, shared his excitement about experiencing the country's culture and history again.

Historical Significance

Later, Naruhito and Empress Masako honored Japanese prisoners of World War II at a memorial. This visit marks the 80th anniversary of the war's end.

One of the first major battles of World War II took place in Mongolia in 1939, where Japanese troops faced Soviet forces and suffered a significant loss. Despite this history, Japan and the Soviet Union later signed a non-aggression treaty, which the Soviets later abandoned.

Naruhito has been visiting sites of major World War II battles, including Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Hiroshima, as part of his efforts to remember and atone for the war's tragedies.

Post-War Relations

After the war, around 12,000 to 14,000 Japanese prisoners were held in Mongolia, which fought alongside Russia against Japan. Mongolia was heavily influenced by the Soviet Union and China after the war, but it transitioned to a democracy in 1989. Since then, Mongolia has been balancing its relationships with Beijing and Moscow while receiving support from the U.S. and its Asian allies, including Japan and South Korea.