China's president will remain until tomorrow. Several agreements have been signed during meetings with Mongolian officials, boosting China's presence in the landlocked nation. Still, "Mongolia is seeking to diversify its export partners to reduce China's overwhelming control of its economy," expert says.

Ulaan Baatar (AsiaNews) - Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Mongolia will boost Chinese investments in the country and deepen economic ties between the neighbours.

However, Mongolian analysts and economists are not thrilled at the prospect, concerned about China's long hand on Mongolian economy.

Xi's arrival marks the first Chinese presidential visit in 11 years to Mongolia.

The two countries signed a joint declaration upgrading their relationship to a "comprehensive strategic partnership." They also signed agreements to cooperate further in areas such as economics, energy, mining and finance.

In an article Xi wrote for publication in Mongolian newspapers, the Chinese president said the country would do all it could to help Mongolia develop.

"China hopes that both countries can push cooperation on building inter-connecting railways and roads, the development of mines and processing . . . so that people in both countries can receive even more benefits," Xi wrote.

China's Xinhua news agency said the visit represented a "new pattern" of diplomacy focusing on improving ties with neighbours, and follows Xi's July trip to South Korea.

The main goal remains the economic development and exploitation of the huge northeastern Asian country, which has a population of 3.2 million people and a surface of almost 1.6 million square kilometres.

After decades of economic stagnation, in which animal husbandry and subsistence activities predominated, the country has decided to exploit its rich mineral resources: coal and rare earths have become valuable bargaining chips.

China already buys more than 90 percent of Mongolia's exports, mainly of coal and copper, and 49 percent of foreign companies registered in Mongolia are Chinese, Xinhua reported.

Hence, despite Xi's reassurances, Mongolians persistently worry about Chinese political hegemony and presence.

Mongolia is seeking to diversify its export partners to reduce China's overwhelming control of its economy," said Dr Alicia Campi, a Mongolia expert and former diplomat in Ulan Bator.

"In order for Mongolia's economy to continue to develop quickly, it must continue to depend on Chinese [investment] and the Chinese market", Campi said, but added, "Mongolia wants to be more active in the Northeast Asian region and not just a passive observer."

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