After two years and ten months in Mongolia, outgoing Chinese Ambassador Shen Minjuan looks back on the bonds and cooperation built between the two countries — and on major infrastructure projects now taking shape, from the Gantsmod-Gashuunsuhait cross-border railway to the long-awaited Erdeneburen hydropower plant. Her regrets are modest: four aimags she never reached, and a language she never quite mastered. In this installment of "Posted In," she reflects on Mongol proverbs that guided her posting, the projects breaking ground after decades of planning, and a bilateral trade relationship racing toward two historic milestones. Above all, she returns again and again to a single image — the bowl of airag offered in every ger — as the truest measure of the friendship between China and Mongolia.

-What initiative or work are you most proud of during your tenure?

-In a country as open and dynamic as Mongolia, two years and ten months can hold a lot.

I saw the frequent high-level exchanges between our two countries. Less than one month after my arrival, I had the privilege of accompanying President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa to Beijing for the Third Belt and Road Forum. And one month before my departure, I accompanied Prime Minister Uchral Nyam-Osor to Dalian for the Summer Davos, let alone last year's SCO Summit, the Victory Day celebrations, or earlier visits for the Asian Winter Games and the China International Import Expo. And these were only the visits by the President and the Prime Minister. Exchanges at all levels of government and among party leaders were even more frequent and wide-ranging.

I saw major projects launch one after another. After 70 years, the second railway, the Gantsmod-Gashuunsuhait cross-border railway, has begun to take shape. The Erdeneburen hydro power plant, which has been planned for more than half a century, is now under construction in the mountains of the western region.

Ulaanbaatar has always been the top priority of our cooperation. Back in the 1950s to 60s, Chinese aid workers here built the Peace Bridge, the State Department Store, the National Sports Stadium and so on. In the recent two years, projects such as the Green Lake 1008 Households and the New Central Wastewater Treatment Plant have been completed. And there are more China-aid projects coming, including the Presidential Sports Complex, the Desertification Prevention and Control Center and the National Art Theatre. These landmarks travel through history, telling stories of our friendship.

What particularly gratifies me is that our two countries have agreed to build a memorial cemetery for the Chinese aid workers, so that we can present this cherished memory and remember their historic contributions.

I am also delighted that together with the Mongolia-China Friendship Association, we built the China-Mongolia Friendship Park in the National Park, where a lovely panda and mazaalai bear sculpture welcome everyone.

I saw the rapid growth of our bilateral trade after the pandemic. We almost reached 20% when I arrived, and hit 50% in the first half of this year. It's undoubtable that we will achieve two milestones this year: USD 20 billion bilateral trade and 100-million-ton coal exports to China.

This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC and the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan. In the first half of this year, China's economy grew by 4.7%. New growth drivers, represented by high-end manufacturing, the digital and intelligent economy, and modern services, contributed more than 40% of economic growth. Innovation-driven development is creating "China Opportunity 2.0" for the world.

Just a week ago, China hosted the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, where the world's first intergovernmental international organization on AI—WAICO (World AI Cooperation Organization)—was established. Together with all sides, China is committed to a people-centered approach and developing AI for the positive and for good.

Mongolia is also pushing its AI development. I'm very confident that we will create new growth engines in AI, the digital economy, and other emerging industries, creating "China-Mongolia Cooperation Opportunity 2.0." China stands ready to join hands with Mongolia in pursuing modernization paths suited to our respective national conditions.

During your time in Mongolia, which Mongol tradition resonated with you the most?

I like the Mongol airag very much—not just for its refreshingly tangy taste, but also because it embodies the wisdom of the nomadic way of life. My Mongol friends told me that airag, fermented from mare's milk, is easier to preserve, supports digestion, and promotes health. It's basically the "liquid gold" that has become an essential part of life on the steppe. Airag represents the highest form of respect in Mongolia and is woven into every important moment of people's lives.

Airag grows richer with time, just like friendship. Every time I stepped into a ger, the host would warmly offer me a big bowl of airag. So, to me, airag also represents the goodwill that Mongol friends carry for China and symbolizes Mongolia's aspirations for stronger bilateral ties. I truly believe that as our cooperation deepens and exchanges grow closer, more and more people will experience this hospitality and blessing from the steppe.

-Seeing how much fond memories you have, any Mongol saying, teaching, or figure of speech that you took to heart?

-There is a Mongol proverb that I often quote: "Neighbors are connected at heart and share a common destiny." We have a similar saying in China: "A close neighbor is better than a distant relative." The two sayings echo each other in spirit, and they perfectly capture the essence of the China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership.

I'm honored to add another chapter to our friendship following the story of "gifts of sheep and tea" during the pandemic. I still remember that during my first winter here, Mongolia was struck by the worst dzud in half a century. Governments at all levels in China and our Red Cross Society provided donations and relief supplies ASAP, and Chinese companies in Mongolia devoted themselves to local rescue.

Recently, when a foot-and-mouth disease broke out in Mongolia, China immediately provided 1.6 million doses of vaccine, which only took less than a week from order to on-site vaccination. I'm pleased to see that all the doses have now been administered, and the outbreak has been effectively brought under control.

Together with the Mongolian Red Cross Society, we've been helping children with congenital heart disease and elderly cataract patients and carrying out projects to strengthen climate resilience of herders, funded by CIDCA. 

And those are just a few of the many stories. China is a partner that Mongolia can truly trust and rely on—we will always lend a helping hand when Mongolia needs it most. We are committed to join hands with Mongolia and connect our hearts, working together to enhance the well-being of both our peoples.

-Thank you for your time. As you end your tenure, what advice would you give your successor, or what advice would you give yourself if you could go back to when you first arrived in Mongolia?

-The two years and ten months I spent in Mongolia were both fulfilling and wonderful, but I also have many regrets. I haven’t visited every aimag—there are still four I haven’t been to. I haven’t had enough Naadam khuushuur and airag, and I never managed to learn Mongolian. If I could go back to when I first arrived in Mongolia, I would tell myself to make the most of every holiday—every Naadam, and every Tsagaan Sar—to travel farther and see more.  I would also urge myself to work harder at learning Mongolian, so that I could have more face-to-face conversations with Mongol friends and better serve as a bridge of friendship and mutual understanding between China and Mongolia.

Published Date:2026-07-28