Recently, the government officially appointed former Director of the National Intelligence Agency, B. Khurts, as Mongolia’s trade representative to Taiwan, sparking widespread attention both domestically and internationally. B. Khurts’s career has been marred by controversy and scandals, ranging from two rejections by South Korea for ambassadorial roles to severe allegations of involvement in murder and human rights violations. How can a figure with such a tarnished reputation adequately represent Mongolia in trade, economic, and cultural exchanges with Taiwan? As a journalist who has long observed our nation’s diplomatic affairs, I must emphasize that appointing an official tainted by serious human rights abuses and corruption harms not only Mongolia’s international image but also irreparably damages Mongolian-Taiwanese relations.
Controversial Career and Human Rights Record of B. Khurts
B. Khurts graduated from Capital City School No. 23 in 1990, studied at the Architectural Institute in Irkutsk, USSR, and later at the Management Development Institute, graduating in 1992. He continued his studies at Moscow State University of Economics, Statistics, and Informatics in 1999 and the Russian Intelligence Academy in 2000. Between 2014 and 2017, Khurts served as Director of the Intelligence Agency. On December 28, 2015, then-President Ts. Elbegdorj awarded Khurts the rank of Major General along with the Sukhbaatar Order, Military Merit Medal, and other honors.
Despite this seemingly distinguished career, Khurts’s background is fraught with controversy and allegations of human rights abuses and violent behavior.
In 2003, Mongolia’s Embassy in Hungary reported revoking Khurts’s residency permit, stating officially: “While dispatched to Hungary on a special mission in January 2003, B. Khurts was expected to report to work regularly. However, investigations revealed he was traveling across Europe conducting private business.”
In 2006, Khurts was investigated by police for assaulting security personnel in his residential district, Sarinai, although the case was closed due to insufficient evidence and deemed unnecessary to continue investigation.
From 2009 to 2011, while serving as Office Director at the National Security Council, Khurts faced serious scrutiny from the Anti-Corruption Agency for failing to disclose assets and omitting vehicles and companies from his tax declarations.
In 2017, as Director of the Counterintelligence Division of the Intelligence Agency, Khurts faced investigations for allegedly misappropriating 50 million tugrik confiscated through administrative penalties.
In 2019, he was detained by the Criminal Police Department for 15 days, facing criminal investigation for alleged abuse of power during his tenure as Intelligence Director.
In 2020, individuals T. Chimgee and B. Sodnomdarjaa, previously convicted of murder, accused Khurts of subjecting them to torture. Subsequently, a district court in the Central Province sentenced Khurts to three years imprisonment.
Significance of Mongolian-Taiwanese Relations and the Critical Role of Representatives
The economic and cultural relationship between Mongolia and Taiwan has significantly grown over the past two decades. This mutually beneficial relationship is vital for Mongolia’s economic development and diversified diplomacy. Since establishing mutual representative offices in 2002, bilateral relations have expanded from purely economic transactions to collaborations in culture, education, and tourism. Taiwan has become an essential trading partner and source of investment, notably in electronics, agricultural processing, and light industries. Mongolia’s mineral and livestock products are also highly valued in Taiwanese markets. Taiwanese tourists are attracted to Mongolia’s vast grasslands and nomadic culture, while Mongolians admire Taiwan’s modern urban and natural scenery. Moreover, geopolitically, Taiwan is a crucial arena of major power rivalry, enhancing its global significance.
Hence, the role of the trade representative to Taiwan is critical, involving not only daily economic matters but also promoting Mongolia’s image, expanding cooperation, and resolving commercial disputes. Effective representatives can seize cooperation opportunities, manage sensitive issues adeptly, and positively contribute to bilateral relations. Incompetent representatives, however, could miss significant opportunities or even harm the nation’s reputation.
An Official with a Tarnished Record Must Not Represent Mongolia!
Given B. Khurts’s problematic personal background and past conduct, his appointment fundamentally contradicts the actual needs of the position.
Mongolia is striving toward the rule of law and enhanced democratic institutions. Allowing a controversial figure to represent our nation internationally is unacceptable. Taiwan, being an essential economic partner, demands representatives who possess not only professional capabilities but also impeccable personal integrity and a firm commitment to human rights. Clearly, B. Khurts does not meet these fundamental criteria. His appointment would send an entirely inappropriate message internationally, undermining Mongolia’s longstanding efforts in democratization and human rights protection. The government should reconsider this decision from the standpoint of national interests and comprehensive diplomatic strategy.
