Overview
Australia has had diplomatic relations with Myanmar since 1952.
Myanmar is the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia by area, with a diverse population of approximately 54.1 million people. Bordering China, India, Thailand, Bangladesh and Laos, Myanmar's peace, security and stability is important for the Indo-Pacific.
Myanmar has been in a protracted and multifaceted crisis since February 2021, when the military overthrew a democratically elected government and jailed its leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi. Opponents of the military regime remain detained. The ongoing conflict plunged the country into a political, economic and humanitarian crisis and has displaced millions.
The crisis has also facilitated the growth of Myanmar's illicit economy and enabled transnational crime, including scam centres, drug manufacturing and distribution, human trafficking, illicit wildlife trade, unregulated natural resource exploitation and environmental destruction.
Australia has condemned widespread human rights abuses and violations by the Myanmar military regime and remains deeply concerned by ongoing attacks against civilians, including airstrikes. We have also noted with concern credible reports of violence and abuses committed by other armed actors.
Australia, and others including the US, UK, Canada and the EU, have imposed sanctions on a number of individuals and entities in Myanmar.
Between December 2025 and January 2026, Myanmar held its first elections since the February 2021 coup. Held amid ongoing conflict and without meaningful opposition participation, they did not meet the conditions for free, fair or inclusive elections. On 3 April, Myanmar's parliament elected Min Aung Hlaing as president, and he and his cabinet were sworn into office on 10 April.
Australia has consistently maintained that a genuine path to peace requires an end to violence, the release of all those unjustly detained and inclusive dialogue among all Myanmar stakeholders.
Australia remains resolute in its support for the people of Myanmar, including the need to protect human rights and respect for international law. We do this through international advocacy and development and humanitarian assistance. Australia continues to stress the importance of alleviating the humanitarian crisis facing the people of Myanmar, including Rohingya. We want to see genuine efforts to improve economic and social conditions, and advance a sustainable resolution to the crisis.