Francis to Mongolia

https://www.centralasianews.net/news/273903602/pope-to-travel-to-mongolia-for-visit-to-tiny-catholic-community

Two decades into the twenty-first century Mongolia is something of an outlier, an outpost nation that straddles North and East Asia and by some accounts represents the eastern edge of Central Asia. Within this vast zone, Mongolia (it could be said) represents the last hope of Western influencers.

As Russia and China now effectively form an anti-Western bloc and the nations of Central Asia have in many respects slipped away from the West's geo-strategic angling, Mongolia (sandwiched between Russia and China) retains some possibilities.

There are still business deals to be done as there are in places like Central Asia. In the latter, these are increasingly overshadowed by Chinese and Russian influences – which are also present in Mongolia. But the Mongol nation affords a little hope for the West in terms of not just business but politics and religion as well and it is these factors that provide the context and backdrop for the papal visit.

Just as these interests have the potential to function as a beach-head for Western interests in the midst of a hostile region, it is hoped that such networks, institutions, and even ecclesiastical hierarchies can be looked to and inspire other Western-oriented people in Eastern Russia and China.

Francis is fighting an uphill battle it would seem and has largely been humiliated by Beijing in his episcopal appointments. It is certain that he hopes to lay the groundwork for better relations in neighbouring Mongolia and may even wish that it can function as a kind of influence-exile point for Chinese Catholic dissidents. This will not be openly stated but it seems clear enough and the move is certain to anger Beijing. There is no evidence to suggest Francis is coordinating with other Western interests but it seems likely enough even if nothing has been directly and openly stated. This move is in keeping with other outreach efforts in places such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Papua New Guinea – all nations on the China periphery.