( Observer Network ) Due to problems such as corruption in the coal industry and high inflation in , large-scale protests broke out in Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar recently. On December 5, thousands of people held a demonstration at the Sukhbaatar Square in the center of Ulaanbaatar, trying to attack the government building " National Palace ", demanding the punishment of corrupt officials and the dissolution of the Mongolian Parliament.
According to Associated Press html on the 26th, the riot attracted the attention of the US Embassy in Mongolia. The agency issued an early warning on December 5, calling on Ulaanbaatar to avoid demonstrators and areas, always pay attention to local media news, maintain a good sense of security and check personal safety plans.
U.S. Embassy wrote in a statement: "Last night, hundreds of protesters gathered in Sukhbato Square and were stopped by obstacles while trying to march to the National Palace. The protesters said they intend to hold another demonstration today. More protesters, police and traffic disruptions are expected in the city center. As the protests may continue, it is recommended that U.S. government personnel and U.S. citizens pay attention to local news and avoid protests and crowd gatherings."
Screenshot of the statement of the U.S. Embassy in Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar protests began on the 4th local time and turned into riots on the afternoon of the 5th. AFP said protesters were dissatisfied with Mongolia's weak economy on the one hand. After the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Mongolia's inflation rate has soared to 15.2%. On the other hand, protesters believe lawmakers related to the coal industry have "stolen" billions of dollars in coal proceeds, which has also sparked public anger.
reported that Mongolian police tried to disperse protesters at 9 pm local time on the 5th, but some protesters tried to break into government buildings, knock down obstacles and break windows. Most protesters left the square in a few hours after police intervention.
Mongolian News Agency reported later on the 5th that the riots had basically subsided that evening. Mongolia's national Great Khural (Parliament) held a plenary meeting on the same day and decided that there is no need to implement a state of emergency at present. But if the situation continues to deteriorate in the future, the National Hular will support the implementation of appropriate measures based on the recommendations of the National Security Council .
On December 5, protests occurred in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. Photo from The Paper Image
Mongolia's anti-corruption agency announced in mid-last month that more than 30 officials, including the chief official of the state-owned coal mine company Erdenes Tavan Tolgo, was investigated for corruption. Zhenbaotabentauregee is one of the largest coal mine companies in Mongolia, and the mined minerals contain 7.5 billion tons of coking coal. This is an important part of Mongolia's exports.
Some foreign media claimed that Mongolia's protests targeted the suspected corruption of Mongolia's coal exports to China and theft of coal. Regarding the relevant statements, Mao Ning, spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular press conference on the 6th that he did not understand the background of the matter. As a friendly neighbor, China believes that the Mongolian government will investigate and handle the relevant incidents well. If Mongolia makes a request, relevant Chinese departments will provide necessary assistance in accordance with the law.
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