Mongolia was once home to the vast Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan in the 13th century. It broke up in the 1300s and was controlled by China until regaining independence in 1911. Mongolia adopted aspects of Chinese culture but still engages in nomadic herding. Taiwan has strong cultural and historical ties to China but gained independence in the 20th century. It developed a highly successful economy based on manufacturing and trade despite lacking natural resources. Western influences like baseball also became popular in Taiwan.