Russia has conducted a review of Mongolia's defense needs, and appears on the verge of providing military supplies and equipment for the first time since 1991. China is concerned over this, but has been building up good will in Mongolia by providing it with non-lethal military equipment totaling $2 million since 1995. But China is not Mongolia's best friend; the US has provided $5 million in non-lethal military aid, and recently agreed to provide the border guards with a new radio system.--Stephen V Cole