Rare Earth Supply Chain: China’s Bayan Obo rare earth mine in Inner Mongolia is set to expand by 50% with a reported $74m investment, aiming to boost ore processing and strengthen critical-mineral supply for high-tech manufacturing. State Enterprise Reform: Mongolia’s Chinggis Khaan Wealth Fund Holding reviewed SOE reform under the “Liberate” policy, with a new governance law shifting performance oversight toward parliament reviews for more transparency. Mongolia-Belarus Trade Talks: Mongolia’s Foreign Minister met Belarus’s ambassador, discussing practical cooperation in agriculture, light industry, forestry, health, sports, and education. COP17 Land & Water Focus: UNCCD COP17 opens Aug. 17-28 in Ulaanbaatar, with Mongolia pushing its “Steppe Action Agenda” and framing rangelands as a future solution to drought, land degradation, and food-water security. Aviation Connectivity: Air China began the first scheduled international commercial service of the COMAC C919 to Ulaanbaatar (daily route), enabled by bilateral airworthiness arrangements. Fuel Distribution Update: Mongolia’s fuel stabilization team says AI-92 distribution will normalize from Monday as Russian rail deliveries are unloaded and more shipments are en route. Energy Trade Snapshot: Russia’s Inter RAO reported a 4% year-on-year rise in electricity exports in Jan–Jun 2026, with Mongolia among listed supply destinations.