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 has plunged the country into a political, economic and humanitarian crisis and 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 the 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.

In July 2025, the military regime announced the end of a nationwide state of emergency and the conduct of national elections over three phases, on 28 December 2025, and 11 and 25 January 2026.

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 has made clear that elections held without these conditions risk greater instability and prevent a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.

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.