MIKTA and middle power diplomacy in the South China Sea

MIKTA, an association consisting of Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, Turkey, and Australia, is still a relatively new platform, having been formed in 2013, but it may now be confronted with its first real opportunity to have an impact on the global stage. The South China Sea is quickly becoming a tinder box capable of igniting the next great power war. Three of the MIKTA members – Indonesia, Korea, and Australia – have a direct interest in reducing tensions in the region, and all would be adversely affected if one miscalculation turns into a large scale conflict.

In all likelihood, though, none of the individual members of this association could impact the developments in the South China Sea alone. Case in point is Australia, rebuked by the Chinese media for speaking out on China’s land reclamation efforts. Meanwhile, Korea has been called out by the US for not exerting enough effort on the South China Sea issue. Korea is understandingly reluctant to choose between its military alliance partner in the US and its largest trading partner in China when its diplomatic effort alone is unlikely to lead to any real progress. However, the combined effort of MIKTA members could prove crucial in easing tensions and finding a peaceful solution to the territorial disputes. The key to achieving this will be the MIKTA members making effective use of middle power diplomacy.