Mekong–ROK Cooperation: a perspective from Thailand

Abstract

Relative to other regional powers, the Republic of Korea (ROK) is a latecomer to Mekong multilateralism, given that its 5 + 1 multilateral dialogue initiative—the Mekong–ROK Cooperation (MKC)—was only launched in 2011. Despite the MKC’s substantive progress, China’s launch of the Lancang–Mekong Cooperation in late 2015 has shaken up the regional Mekong order and significantly threatened the MKC’s future. Drawing primarily on archives through a broad lens of political realism, this study appraises the MKC’s prospects in the Mekong’s multilateral politics amid great-power rivalry. The study argues that Mekong nations have expected Korea’s MKC to balance foreign (especially China) influence, partially owing to the uncertain posture of the United States toward regional Mekong multilateralism. Finally, it recommends the ROK to play a more active role in preserving the existing Mekong order through the MKC process. Further, it recommends that Seoul aligns with Washington regarding Mekong affairs.