Geopolitical and geoeconomic factors in implementing the China–Mongolia–Russia international transport corridor: achieving a balance of national interests

The relevance of the research stems from the scientific and practical significance of implementing the China–Mongolia–Russia International Transport Corridor for the participating countries. The purpose of the study is to identify the geopolitical and geoeconomic factors, affecting the project’s implementation for all parties to the trilateral agreement such as Mongolia, China, and Russia, by achieving an optimal combination and balance of their national interests in its implementation. It has been hypothesized that the corridor is an effective tool and benefits all participating economies, particularly in terms of sustainable development. However, due to significant limitations in both physical infrastructure and geopolitical factors, it requires increased efforts by the participants for development. The study is relevant in light of the sanctions pressure on Russia and its desire to expand its export opportunities. It examines the border regions of Russia and China (the Republic of Buryatia and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region) to identify the project’s impact on their socio-economic development through the intensification of their foreign trade through developing the ITC. A combination of general scientific and specialized methodologies has been applied. The study’s key findings and conclusions include proof of the ITC’s high economic significance for participating countries, highlighting minor risks for Russia and more significant ones for Mongolia. It also substantiates the importance of the time-sensitive nature of member countries’ economies for the corridor’s effective implementation.

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