Aviation & Trade: Air China launched the first regular international service using China’s COMAC C919, flying Beijing–Ulaanbaatar with daily round trips—an important step for Mongolia’s connectivity and for China’s push to sell its jet abroad. Energy Security: Mongolia is still grappling with gasoline shortages and rationing in Ulaanbaatar, but officials say Russia has agreed extra shipments of AI-92 gasoline and jet fuel by end-August to ease the crunch. Strategic Industry: Mongolia’s PM visited India-facilitated construction of the strategic oil refinery project in Dornogovi, praising the 3,700-strong Indian workforce and noting 60% construction progress, with plans to grant Technological Industrial Park status. Development Finance: The Asian Development Bank appointed John Juhyun Jeong as its new Country Director for Mongolia, focusing on diversified growth and resilience. COP17 & Land Use: Mongolia unveiled the “Steppe Action Agenda” for COP17 and sought China’s support, alongside a China-Mongolia desertification prevention cooperation center feasibility study. Mining & Tech: Sandvik introduced new digital ground support monitoring tools in Mongolia, aimed at improving rock-bolt performance insights and mine safety. Geopolitics & Minerals: A new analysis warns that resource nationalism is reshaping critical-minerals supply chains—relevant as AI and defense demand intensify.