Third neighbor policy

The third neighbor policy is a facet of foreign relations of Mongolia referring to its building relationships with countries other than Russia and China,^[1] the two superpowers that historically had a sphere of influence extending to the country. The economy of Mongolia is dependent on exploitation of the country's mineral resources, which include copper, gold, uranium and coal,^[1] and thus the country is vulnerable to pressure from foreign countries and corporations involved in resource extraction. Countries that have been characterized as "third neighbors" include the United States, South Korea, France and other developed nations.

By building relationships with nations beyond its immediate neighbors, Mongolia aims to:

• Diversify its economy: Expanding partnerships with other countries reduces its reliance on China, which is its largest trading partner.
• Support democratic governance: Strengthening ties with democratic nations helps reinforce Mongolia's democratic values and institutions.
• Improve national security: Collaborating on defense with "third neighbors" such as the United States and Japan enhances Mongolia's security capabilities.^[2]