China ready to help Mongolia investigate coal theft

China is ready to help the Mongolian government investigate possible theft if requested, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said at a briefing, Report informs.

“As a friendly neighboring state, we are confident that the Mongolian government is able to understand and take appropriate measures to resolve the situation. If the Mongolian side makes such a request, the competent agencies of China will provide it with the necessary assistance in accordance with the law,” she said.

Earlier, protests broke out in Mongolia over a corruption scandal over coal exported to China. Chinese media reported that China has handed over a list of corrupt civil servants to the Mongolian government. According to them, with the help of a criminal scheme, they stole from $12.9 billion to $17.6 billion in the sale of coal.

Mongolia refused to disclose the names of officials, after which protests began in Ulaanbaatar demanding the publication of these data. On December 5, protesters tried to storm the Government Palace, as a result, 6 people were injured.