The Political Situation in Mongolia After the Kyakhta Treaty
摘要
Following the Kyakhta treaty, Mongolia found itself in a complex geopolitical situation. The Bogd Khaan government maintained that while Mongolia lacked the right to negotiate political matters with foreign nations, it retained autonomy over economic and domestic affairs. China, on the other hand, sought to limit Mongolia’s autonomy, treating it as a subordinate region. Russian influence remained strong, particularly in trade, but weakened after the 1917 Russian Revolution, opening Mongolia to the interests of Japan, America, and Britain. The Japanese government pursued an aggressive strategy, seeking to extend its influence in Mongolia. Meanwhile, the Mongolian government aimed to maintain its independence while avoiding conflicts with powerful neighbors. The rise of Pan-Mongolist movements, particularly the 1919 Dauriia Station conference, further complicated Mongolia’s position. While some factions sought unification, the Mongolian government feared repercussions from China and Russia, choosing instead to uphold the Tripartite Treaty. The reluctance to engage in Pan-Mongolist movements ultimately reflected Mongolia’s pragmatic approach to maintaining autonomy. However, this did not prevent China from violating the agreement and invading Mongolia in 1919, leading to a new phase of political struggle. Despite these challenges, Mongolia managed to navigate shifting power dynamics to preserve its independence.