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. 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. 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.

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.

Japan and Mongolia Strengthen Bonds Amidst Regional Tensions

Last month, Mongolia welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin with open arms, despite an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes. The ICC wasn't happy about this and reported Mongolia to its oversight body. The warrant came after Putin was accused of illegally deporting Ukrainian children to Russia. Although Russia isn't part of the ICC, the court's rules say countries should arrest and hand over anyone with a warrant, no matter who they are.

Mongolia chose to ignore calls from Ukraine and the European Union to arrest Putin during his visit to Ulaanbaatar. They even gave him a fancy welcome in the city's main square. This wasn't the first time Putin visited an ICC member country since the warrant was issued, but it was the first time a country was reported for not arresting him.

The ICC has now referred Mongolia's actions to the Assembly of States Parties, which will meet in December in The Hague. This group can take any measures they think are right, but it's not clear what will happen next. This case raises important questions about how the ICC's rules are enforced and whether countries can pick and choose when to follow them.

ULAANBAATAR

Japan and Mongolia Strengthen Bonds Amidst Regional Tensions

Mongolia in Hot Water for Ignoring Putin's Arrest Warrant