Editing Foreign relations of Myanmar (section)

== Europe and America ==
The United States has placed broad sanctions on Myanmar because of the [[8888 Uprising|military crackdown in 1988]] and the military regime's refusal to honour the [[1990 Burmese general election|election results of the 1990]] People's Assembly election. Similarly, the [[European Union]] has placed embargoes on Myanmar, including an arms embargo, cessation of trade preferences, and suspension of all aid with the exception of [[humanitarian aid]].<ref name="EU">{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/comm/external_relations/myanmar/intro/index.htm |title= The EU's relations with Burma / Myanmar |access-date=13 July 2006 |publisher=[[European Union]]|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060725000750/http://ec.europa.eu/comm/external_relations/myanmar/intro/index.htm |archive-date = 25 July 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref>

US and European government sanctions against the military government, alongside boycotts and other types of direct pressure on corporations by western supporters of the Burmese democracy movement, have resulted in the withdrawal from Myanmar of most US and many European companies. However, several Western companies remain due to loopholes in the sanctions.<ref>[https://foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=3986 The List: Burma’s Economic Lifelines] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106002149/http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=3986 |date=6 January 2009 }}. ''[[Foreign Policy]]''. October 2007</ref> Asian corporations have generally remained willing to continue investing in Myanmar and to initiate new investments, particularly in [[natural resource]] extraction.

The French oil company [[TotalEnergies]] is able to operate the [[Yadana Project|Yadana natural gas pipeline]] from Myanmar to Thailand despite the [[European Union]]'s sanctions on Myanmar. TotalEnergies is currently the subject of a lawsuit in French and Belgian courts for the condoning and use of Burman civilian slavery to construct the named pipeline. Experts{{who|date=January 2013}} say that the human rights abuses along the gas pipeline are the direct responsibility of TotalEnergies and its American partner [[Chevron Corporation]]{{citation needed|date=January 2013}} with aid and implementation by the [[Tatmadaw]]. Prior to its acquisition by Chevron, [[Unocal]] settled a similar human rights lawsuit for a reported multimillion-dollar amount.<ref>{{cite news |last=Horsley |first=William |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3761022.stm |title=Dilemma of dealing with Burma |work=BBC News |date=20 October 2004 |access-date=2 November 2004 |archive-date=11 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211073843/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3761022.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> There remains active debate as to the extent to which the American-led sanctions have had adverse effects on the civilian population or on the military rulers.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hiatt |first=Fred |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&contentId=A21505-2003Jun22 |title=How Best to Rid the World of Monsters |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=23 June 2003 |access-date=24 May 2006 |archive-date=19 July 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050719233013/http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/reg.burma/archives/199905/msg00184.html |title=Reuters Belgian group seeks Total boycott over Myanmar |work=Ibiblio |agency=Reuters |date=10 May 1999 |access-date=24 June 2006 |archive-date=14 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114123541/http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/reg.burma/archives/199905/msg00184.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Armenia===
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 January 2013.

===Belarus===
[[File:Delegation of Myanmar military junta in Belarus - Milex-2021 military exhibition (03).jpg|thumb|right|Myanmar delegation at MILEX-2021 military exhibition. Minsk, Belarus]]
[[File:Delegation of Myanmar military junta in Belarus - Milex-2021 military exhibition (05).jpg|thumb|right|Myanmar delegation at MILEX-2021 military exhibition. Minsk, Belarus]]

{{main|Belarus-Myanmar relations}}

Belarus and Myanmar established diplomatic relations on 22 September 1999.<ref name=viet>{{Cite web |url=https://vietnam.mfa.gov.by/en/bilateral_relations/blrM/mpolit/ |title=Political Cooperation |access-date=3 July 2021 |archive-date=8 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208041302/https://vietnam.mfa.gov.by/en/bilateral_relations/blrM/mpolit/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2011, prime minister of Belarus [[Mikhail Myasnikovich]] made on official visit to Myanmar.<ref name=viet />

In 2021, Belarus was the only country to vote against UN General Assembly resolution calling Myanmar military to stop violence, release arrested protesters and restore democracy.<ref name=jfm>{{Cite web |url=https://www.justiceformyanmar.org/stories/belarus-votes-against-un-resolution-after-over-decade-of-myanmar-military-ties |title=Belarus votes against UN resolution after over decade of Myanmar military ties |access-date=3 July 2021 |archive-date=9 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909155402/https://www.justiceformyanmar.org/stories/belarus-votes-against-un-resolution-after-over-decade-of-myanmar-military-ties |url-status=live }}</ref> It was assumed that Belarusian support for Myanmar military junta was caused by long history of arms trade with [[Myanmar Army]].<ref name=jfm />

===Denmark===
{{main|Denmark–Myanmar relations}}

Myanmar is represented in Denmark through its embassy in the United Kingdom,<ref>{{cite web |title=Embassy of Myanmar in the United Kingdom |url=http://www.mofa.gov.mm/myanmarmissions/uk.html |access-date=7 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130183454/http://www.mofa.gov.mm/myanmarmissions/uk.html |archive-date=30 November 2010}}</ref> and Denmark is represented in Myanmar through its embassy in [[Thailand]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mofa.gov.mm/foreignmb/denmark.html |title=Burmese embassy in Bangkok, Thailand |publisher=Mofa.gov.mm |date=19 August 2003 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325082418/http://www.mofa.gov.mm/foreignmb/denmark.html |archive-date=25 March 2013}}</ref> Diplomatic relations were established in 1955.<ref name="relations">{{cite book|title=Far Eastern economic review|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WeMnAAAAMAAJ|quote=Diplomatic relations Between Burma and Denmark, while friendly, have been limited to formal exchanges of greetings and condolences on appropriate occasions ...|year=1972|access-date=24 December 2010}}</ref> Relations between the two countries are friendly,<ref name="relations"/> but economically, Denmark has the "worst" trade with Myanmar in the European Union.<ref>[http://burmalibrary.org/docs/Imports_from_Burma_to_EU_countries.htm Burma's economic relations with Denmark] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510223241/http://burmalibrary.org/docs/Imports_from_Burma_to_EU_countries.htm |date=10 May 2013 }} ''Online Burma/Myanmar Library''</ref> 

Development assistance to Myanmar is a top priority of the [[Danish International Development Agency]]'s engagement in Southeast Asia. 93 million DKK was given to education and healthcare projects.<ref>{{cite news
 |title=Activities in Burma 
 |url=http://www.ambbangkok.um.dk/en/menu/DevelopmentDanida/DanidainBurma-Myanmar/ActivitiesInBurma-Myanmar 
 |publisher=Foreign Affairs of Denmark 
 |access-date=23 January 2011 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511152242/http://www.ambbangkok.um.dk/en/menu/DevelopmentDanida/DanidainBurma-Myanmar/ActivitiesInBurma-Myanmar 
 |archive-date=11 May 2011
}}
</ref> Danish development assistance has focused on promoting democracy and human rights. Denmark was one of the first countries to respond to [[cyclone Nargis]] by providing humanitarian assistance to Myanmar.<ref>{{cite news|title=DANIDA in Burma |url=http://www.ambbangkok.um.dk/en/menu/DevelopmentDanida/DanidainBurma-Myanmar |publisher=Foreign Affairs of Denmark |access-date=23 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511152258/http://www.ambbangkok.um.dk/en/menu/DevelopmentDanida/DanidainBurma-Myanmar |archive-date=11 May 2011}}</ref> [[Three Diseases Fund]] was founded in 2006, and Denmark joined in 2009.<ref>{{cite news|title=Three Diseases Fund|url=http://www.3dfund.org/index.php|publisher=The Diseases Fund 3DF|access-date=23 January 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225011915/http://www.3dfund.org/index.php|archive-date=25 February 2011}}</ref> Three Diseases Fund helps Myanmar fight HIV and AIDS, and has assisted with 73 million dollars.<ref>{{cite news|title=Three Diseases Fund (3DF) |url=http://www.ambbangkok.um.dk/en/menu/DevelopmentDanida/DanidainBurma-Myanmar/ActivitiesInBurma-Myanmar/3df |publisher=Foreign Affairs of Denmark |access-date=23 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511152357/http://www.ambbangkok.um.dk/en/menu/DevelopmentDanida/DanidainBurma-Myanmar/ActivitiesInBurma-Myanmar/3df |archive-date=11 May 2011}}</ref>

====Burmese Consul incident====
In 1996, the consul in Myanmar for Denmark, James Leander Nichols, was sentenced to three years in jail. The sentence was for illegal possession of two facsimile machines and a telephone switchboard. Two months later, he died in prison. Despite Danish insistence, Burmese authorities refused to allow an independent [[autopsy]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Anais Tamen|title=The European Union's Sanctions Related to Human Rights: The Case of Myanmar|url=http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs09/Memoire-Anais_Tamen.pdf|date=2002–2003|page=98|access-date=8 December 2010|archive-date=1 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101173533/http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs09/Memoire-Anais_Tamen.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Soon after, the [[European Union]], with Canada, called for a United Nations gathering on the democratisation process.<ref>{{cite news|title=James Leander Nichol's Death Imprisoned For Owning an Illegal Fax Machine in Burma|url=http://www.cfob.org/burmaissue/politicalPrisoners/JLNichols.shtml|publisher=CFOB Canadian Friends of Burma|access-date=23 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501061942/http://www.cfob.org/burmaissue/politicalPrisoners/JLNichols.shtml|archive-date=1 May 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Response of the Union of Myanmar to the United Nations|url=http://www.cfob.org/Background/JLNichols.shtml|publisher=CFOB Canadian Friends of Burma|access-date=23 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501061939/http://www.cfob.org/Background/JLNichols.shtml|archive-date=1 May 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Hungary===
In June 2019, [[Aung San Suu Kyi]] visited Hungary and meet with the Prime Minister [[Viktor Orbán]]. "The two leaders highlighted that one of the greatest challenges at present for both countries and their respective regions – south-east Asia and Europe – is migration", read a statement released after their meeting. it also said "They noted that both regions have seen the emergence of the issue of co-existence with continuously growing Muslim populations".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jun/06/aung-san-suu-kyi-finds-common-ground-with-viktor-orban-over-islam|title=Aung San Suu Kyi finds common ground with Orbán over Islam|website=[[TheGuardian.com]]|date=6 June 2019|access-date=7 June 2019|archive-date=20 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420185651/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jun/06/aung-san-suu-kyi-finds-common-ground-with-viktor-orban-over-islam|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.kormany.hu/en/the-prime-minister/news/prime-minister-viktor-orban-in-talks-with-state-counsellor-of-myanmar-aung-san-suu-kyi |title=Archived copy |access-date=7 June 2019 |archive-date=6 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606111718/https://www.kormany.hu/en/the-prime-minister/news/prime-minister-viktor-orban-in-talks-with-state-counsellor-of-myanmar-aung-san-suu-kyi |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Ireland===
{{see also|Foreign relations of Ireland}}
The Government of Ireland established diplomatic relations with Myanmar on a non-resident basis on 10 February 2004. The Irish Government was still concerned about the [[arbitrary detention]] of the opposition leader [[Aung San Suu Kyi]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=25837 |title=Department of Foreign Affairs – Ireland establishes diplomatic relations with Myanmar (Burma) |publisher=Dfa.ie |access-date=4 April 2011 |archive-date=21 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321102943/https://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=25837 |url-status=live }}</ref> Burma Action Ireland is a pro-democracy group that freely operates in the Republic of Ireland.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.burmaactionireland.org/cont.html |title=Burma Action Ireland |publisher=Burma Action Ireland |access-date=4 April 2011 |archive-date=27 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427223928/http://www.burmaactionireland.org/cont.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indymedia.ie/article/88630 |title=Free Burma – Indymedia Ireland |publisher=Indymedia.ie |access-date=4 April 2011 |archive-date=16 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116010425/http://www.indymedia.ie/article/88630 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Ireland supported a UN commission of inquiry and international level monitoring of Myanmar after 2008, as part of their efforts to support democracy and human rights movements in Myanmar. This became public knowledge after official papers were leaked in September 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mizzima.com/news/world/4405-ireland-weighs-in-on-un-inquiry-into-burma-abuses.html |title=Ireland weighs in on UN inquiry into Burma abuses |publisher=Mizzima.com |date=25 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501000521/http://www.mizzima.com/news/world/4405-ireland-weighs-in-on-un-inquiry-into-burma-abuses.html |archive-date=1 May 2011}}</ref>

===France===
{{main|France–Myanmar relations}}
Franco-Burmese relations go back to the early 18th century, as the [[John Law's Company|French East India Company]] attempted to extend its influence into Southeast Asia. French involvement started in 1729 when it built a shipyard in the city of [[Thanlyin|Syriam]].<ref>South (2003), p. 79</ref> The 1740 revolt of the [[Mon State|Mon]] against Burmese rule, however, forced the French to depart in 1742.<ref>Liang (1990), p. 14</ref> They were able to return to [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siam]] in 1751 when the Mon requested French assistance against the Burmese. A French envoy, [[Sieur de Bruno]] was sent to evaluate the situation and help in the defence against the Burmese. French warships were sent to support the Mon rebellion, but in vain. In 1756, the Burmese under [[Alaungpaya]] vanquished the Mon. Many French were captured and incorporated into the Burmese Army as an elite gunner corps, under [[Chevalier Milard]]. In 1769, official contacts resumed when a trade treaty was signed between [[Hsinbyushin|King Hsinbyushin]] and the French East India Company.<ref>Bhuyan (1974), p. 460</ref>

Soon after, however, France was convulsed by the [[French Revolution]] and [[Napoleonic Wars]], thus allowing overwhelming British influence in Burma. French contacts with Myanmar, effectively a British colony, became almost non-existent. Instead, from the second half of the 19th century, France concentrated on the establishment of [[French Indochina]] and the conflicts with China leading to the [[Sino-French War]]. Following the end of [[World War II]], ambassador-level diplomatic relationships between France and Burma were established in 1948, soon after the Burmese nation became an independent republic on 4 January 1948, as ''Union of Burma'', with [[Sao Shwe Thaik]] as its first President and [[U Nu]] as its first [[Prime Minister of Myanmar|Prime Minister]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ambafrance-mm.org/|title=La France en Birmanie|website=Ambafrance-mm.org|access-date=16 January 2018|archive-date=28 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128045705/http://www.ambafrance-mm.org/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Serbia===
* Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1950.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.rs/en/foreign-policy/bilateral-issues/96-bilateral-issues/12332-mjanmar|title=Myanmar|website=Mfa.gov.rs|access-date=16 January 2018|archive-date=13 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113035520/http://www.mfa.gov.rs/en/foreign-policy/bilateral-issues/96-bilateral-issues/12332-mjanmar|url-status=dead}}</ref> 
* A number of bilateral agreements in various fields have been concluded and are in force between both countries.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mfa.gov.rs/en/images/stories/bilaterala_ugovori/MYANMAR.doc |title=Archived copy |access-date=30 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231075645/http://www.mfa.gov.rs/en/images/stories/bilaterala_ugovori/MYANMAR.doc |archive-date=31 December 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===United Kingdom===
{{main|Myanmar–United Kingdom relations}}
Myanmar established [[Foreign relations of the United Kingdom|diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom]] on 7 July 1947.<ref>{{cite web|title=Diplomatic Relations between Myanmar and Britain|url=https://mifer.gov.mm/en/bilateral/details/diplomatic-relations-between-myanmar-and-britain|website=[[Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations]]|access-date=20 June 2024|archive-date=14 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014192116/http://myanmarbsb.org/_site/diplomatic-relations/|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Myanmar maintains an [[Embassy of Myanmar, London|embassy]] in [[London]].
*The United Kingdom is accredited to Myanmar through its embassy in [[Yangon]].<ref>{{cite web|title=British Embassy Yangon|website=[[gov.uk|GOV.UK]]|url=https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-yangon|access-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619091928/https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-yangon|archive-date=19 June 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
The UK governed [[British rule in Burma|Myanmar]] from 1824 to 1942 and 1945 until 1948, when Myanmar achieved full independence.

Both countries share common membership of the [[World Trade Organization]]. Bilaterally the two countries have a Development Partnership.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/country-and-regional-development-partnership-summaries|title=Country and regional development partnership summaries|website=GOV.UK|date=17 July 2023 |access-date=27 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526234739/https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/country-and-regional-development-partnership-summaries|archive-date=26 May 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

===United States===
{{main|Myanmar–United States relations}}
[[File:Embassy of Myanmar, Washington.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Embassy of Myanmar in Washington, D.C.]]]]
The political relations between the United States of America and Myanmar began to face major problems following the 1988 military coup and the [[Military junta|junta]]'s outbursts of repression against pro-democracy activists. Subsequent repression, including that of protestors in [[Saffron Revolution|2007]] and [[2021–2022 Myanmar protests|2021]], further strain the relationship.<ref name="dw47">{{Cite web|title=US slaps export sanctions on Myanmar after protest deaths|url=https://www.dw.com/en/us-slaps-export-sanctions-on-myanmar-after-protest-deaths/a-56778445|access-date=8 March 2021|website=DW.COM|language=en-GB|archive-date=6 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306020647/https://www.dw.com/en/us-slaps-export-sanctions-on-myanmar-after-protest-deaths/a-56778445|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 2010s, following signs of democratisation and [[Economic liberalism|economic liberalisation]], the United States lifted sanctions calling for the mending of US relations with Myanmar.<ref name="NYTimes.com">{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/02/world/asia/us-will-relax-curbs-on-aid-to-myanmar.html | work=The New York Times | title=Clinton Says U.S. Will Relax Some Curbs on Aid to Myanmar | date=1 December 2011 | access-date=26 February 2017 | archive-date=1 December 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111201172242/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/02/world/asia/us-will-relax-curbs-on-aid-to-myanmar.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The US also re-established ambassador-level relations with Myanmar in 2012 for the first time since 1990.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304072004577323451080077384 | work=The Wall Street Journal | first=Patrick | last=Barta | title=U.S. Forges Deeper Myanmar Ties | date=5 April 2012 | access-date=3 August 2017 | archive-date=20 November 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120064223/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304072004577323451080077384 | url-status=live }}</ref> However, the US re-imposed targeted sanctions following the 2017 [[Rohingya genocide]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-115hhrg27063/pdf/CHRG-115hhrg27063.pdf|title=THE ROHINGYA CRISIS: U.S. RESPONSE TO THE TRAGEDY IN BURMA|access-date=20 January 2023|archive-date=20 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120165532/https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-115hhrg27063/pdf/CHRG-115hhrg27063.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[2021 myanmar coup d'état]],<ref>{{cite news |title=US, EU add more sanctions as Myanmar violence deepens |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/9/us-eu-add-more-sanctions-as-myanmar-violence-deepens |work=Al Jazeera |date=9 November 2022 |access-date=20 January 2023 |archive-date=8 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108095259/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/9/us-eu-add-more-sanctions-as-myanmar-violence-deepens |url-status=live }}</ref> focusing on individuals and companies involved in atrocities and human rights violations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm460|title=Treasury Sanctions Commanders and Units of the Burmese Security Forces for Serious Human Rights Abuses|website=home.treasury.gov|language=en|access-date=November 16, 2018|archive-date=20 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120165537/https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm460|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Historical relations====
In 1988, the United States downgraded its level of representation in Myanmar from [[Ambassador]] to [[Chargé d'Affaires]] after the Burmese government's lethal crackdown on the [[8888 Uprising]] and its failure to honor the results of the 1990 election.<ref>{{cite journal | url=https://muse.jhu.edu/article/412811/pdf | title=Timeline: US-Burma/Myanmar Relations | journal=Contemporary Southeast Asia | year=2010 | volume=32 | issue=3 | pages=434–436 | access-date=20 January 2023 | archive-date=20 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820004239/https://muse.jhu.edu/article/412811/pdf | url-status=live }}</ref> The United States remains one of a few countries to still not recognize the 1989 name change from Burma to Myanmar arguing that the change was made without the consent of the people by the illegitimate 1989 government.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usip.org/blog/2018/06/whats-name-burma-or-myanmar |title=What's in a Name: Burma or Myanmar? |website=United States Institute of Peace |date=21 June 2018 |last1=Selth |first1=Andrew |last2=Gallagher |first2=Adam |language=en |access-date=20 January 2023 |archive-date=19 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719221651/https://www.usip.org/blog/2018/06/whats-name-burma-or-myanmar |url-status=dead }}</ref> The US upgraded its representation back in 2012, appointing Derek Mitchel as Ambassador.<ref name="RFA20120711">{{cite news|title=Derek Mitchell, 1st US ambassador to Myanmar in 22 years, presents credentials to start work|url=http://www.timescolonist.com/business/ambassador+Myanmar+years+arrives+start+work/6914206/story.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205111510/http://www.timescolonist.com/business/ambassador+Myanmar+years+arrives+start+work/6914206/story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 February 2013|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Times Colonist|access-date=12 July 2012}}</ref>

Massachusetts attempted to place [[Massachusetts Burma Law|sanctions against Burma on its own]] in 1996 but the concept proved to be contradictory to the [[US Constitution]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://scholarship.law.wm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1327&context=facpubs | title=Foreign Affairs Power -- The Massachusetts Burma Law is Found to Encroach on the Federal Government's Exclusive Constitutional Authority to Regulate Foreign Affairs. -- National Foreign Trade Council v. Baker, 26 F. Supp. 2d 287 (D. Mass. 1998) | publisher=College of William & Mary Law School | date=1999 | access-date=February 11, 2021 | author=Banks, Angela M. | archive-date=20 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120165533/https://scholarship.law.wm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1327&context=facpubs | url-status=live }}</ref>

The US government imposed broad sanctions on Myanmar including the 2003 [[Burma Freedom and Democracy Act]], which banned all imports and export of financial services with Myanmar, froze certain Burmese financial institutions' access and increased [[Visa (document)|visa]] restrictions for Burmese officials.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://democracyforburma.wordpress.com/2010/07/23/burmese-freedom-and-democracy-act-passed-both-houses-of-congress-with-more-support-than-in-any-other-year/ |title=Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act passed both Houses of Congress |publisher=Democracyforburma.wordpress.com |date=23 July 2010 |access-date=4 April 2011 |archive-date=16 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716083938/http://democracyforburma.wordpress.com/2010/07/23/burmese-freedom-and-democracy-act-passed-both-houses-of-congress-with-more-support-than-in-any-other-year/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2007, the US imposed additional sanctions, including freezing assets  of 25 high-ranking officials Burmese government officials through Executive Orders.<ref>{{cite news |title=US Government Officially Terminates Sanctions Targeting Myanmar |date=10 October 2016 |last1=Fayhee |first1=Ryan |last2=Ownes |first2=Inessa |last3=Schoorl |first3=Joseph |url=https://sanctionsnews.bakermckenzie.com/us-government-officially-terminates-sanctions-targeting-myanmar/ |website=BakerMcKenzie |access-date=20 January 2023 |archive-date=20 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120155542/https://sanctionsnews.bakermckenzie.com/us-government-officially-terminates-sanctions-targeting-myanmar/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Barack Obama meets with Thein Sein at Burma Parliament Building.jpg|thumb|Thein Sein meets US President [[Barack Obama]] in [[Yangon]]/Rangoon, the former capital, on 19 November 2012]]
In 2011, US Secretary of State, [[Hillary Clinton]], visited Myanmar, the first by a Secretary of State since 1955. Clinton met with [[President of Myanmar|President]] [[Thein Sein]] and with then-democracy activist [[Aung San Suu Kyi]]<ref name="NYTimes.com"/> In 2012, the Clinton announced the US will exchange ambassadors with Myanmar, after a landmark Burmese political prisoner amnesty.<ref>British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)– US to exchange ambassadors with Burma, <https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16554415 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113174953/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16554415 |date=13 January 2012 }}>. Retrieved 13 January 2012.</ref> President [[Barack Obama]] nominated [[Derek J. Mitchell|Derek Mitchell]] to serve as US Ambassador to Myanmar.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/17/statement-president-burma |work=[[whitehouse.gov]] |title=Statement by the President on Burma |via=[[NARA|National Archives]] |date=17 May 2012 |access-date=2 March 2021 |archive-date=19 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719075933/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/17/statement-president-burma |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/17/presidential-nomination-sent-senate |work=[[whitehouse.gov]] |title=Presidential Nomination Sent to the Senate |via=[[NARA|National Archives]] |date=17 May 2012 |access-date=2 March 2021 |archive-date=19 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719075921/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/17/presidential-nomination-sent-senate |url-status=live }}</ref>

In July 2012 the United States formally reduced sanctions against Myanmar.<ref name="NYT20120711">{{cite news|last=Lowrey|first=Annie|title=U.S. Sanctions on Myanmar Formally Eased|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/12/world/asia/us-sanctions-on-myanmar-formally-eased.html|access-date=12 July 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=11 July 2012|archive-date=20 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120001903/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/12/world/asia/us-sanctions-on-myanmar-formally-eased.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and "targeted easing" of sanctions allowing minor US investment.<ref name="NYT20120711"/>

In 2013, Thein Sein visited the US White House to discuss Myanmar's reforms with President Obama. The two countries later signed a bilateral trade and investment framework agreement.<ref>{{cite news|title=Obama Vows US Support As Myanmar Leader Visits|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=185449969|access-date=21 May 2013|publisher=NPR|date=20 May 2013|agency=Associated Press|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521150924/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=185449969|archive-date=21 May 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Recent relations====
In October 2017 the United States withdrew [[United States military aid|military aid]] to Myanmar units responsible for the displacement of Rohingya in the [[Rohingya genocide|Rohingya crisis]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2017/10/275021.htm|title=Accountability for Human Rights Abuses in Rakhine State, Burma|work=U.S. Department of State|access-date=November 16, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=14 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514165126/https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2017/10/275021.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The US later imposed a blacklist on [[Maung Maung Soe (general)|Maung Maung Soe]], chief of the Myanmar army's Western Command responsible for the violence,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0243|title=United States Sanctions Human Rights Abusers and Corrupt Actors Across the Globe {{!}} U.S. Department of the Treasury|website=home.treasury.gov|language=en|access-date=November 16, 2018|archive-date=23 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723174732/https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0243|url-status=live}}</ref> and commanders directly involved.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm460|title=Treasury Sanctions Commanders and Units of the Burmese Security Forces for Serious Human Rights Abuses|website=home.treasury.gov|language=en|access-date=November 16, 2018|archive-date=20 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120165537/https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm460|url-status=live}}</ref> The United States also provided humanitarian aid to displaced Rohingya refugees.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/04/281130.htm|title=Ongoing U.S. Humanitarian Assistance for the Rakhine State Crisis|work=U.S. Department of State|access-date=November 16, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=22 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222014654/https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/04/281130.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, the United States formally recognized the Rohingya genocide.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Pamuk |first1=Humeyra |last2=Lewis |first2=Simon |date=2022-03-21 |title=Biden administration rules Myanmar army committed genocide against Rohingya |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/exclusive-biden-administration-rules-myanmar-army-committed-genocide-against-2022-03-20/ |access-date=2022-09-21 |archive-date=22 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422041445/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/exclusive-biden-administration-rules-myanmar-army-committed-genocide-against-2022-03-20/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In February 2021, a [[2021 Myanmar coup d'état|military coup]] led by [[Min Aung Hlaing]] overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar. The United States condemned the coup and imposed sanctions on Myanmar military leaders and their business associates.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/01/myanmar-coup-us-and-china-divided-in-response-to-army-takeover-aung-san-suu-kyi|title=Myanmar coup: Joe Biden threatens to resume sanctions|work=The Guardian|first1=Patrick|last1=Wintour|first2=Julian|last2=Bolger|date=February 1, 2021|access-date=February 3, 2021|archive-date=1 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201113643/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/01/myanmar-coup-us-and-china-divided-in-response-to-army-takeover-aung-san-suu-kyi|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Payne|first=Daniel|title=Biden announces sanctions on Myanmar after coup|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/02/10/biden-myanmar-sanctions-468401|access-date=February 10, 2021|date=February 10, 2021|website=Politico|language=en|archive-date=20 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120182931/https://www.politico.com/news/2021/02/10/biden-myanmar-sanctions-468401|url-status=live}}</ref>
In July 2022, the new [[State Administration Council|junta]] of Myanmar executed four political prisoners,<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 July 2022 |title=Myanmar: First executions in decades mark atrocious escalation in state repression |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/07/myanmar-first-executions-in-decades-mark-atrocious-escalation-in-state-repression/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Amnesty International |language=en |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922030634/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/07/myanmar-first-executions-in-decades-mark-atrocious-escalation-in-state-repression/ |url-status=live }}</ref> which was met with condemnation from the [[G7|G7 nations]], including the United States.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 July 2022 |title=World condemns Myanmar junta for 'cruel' execution of activists |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-junta-execute-four-democracy-activists-state-media-2022-07-25/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |archive-date=14 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214025934/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-junta-execute-four-democracy-activists-state-media-2022-07-25/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The State Department further pressed China to influence the situation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 July 2022 |title=Myanmar executions: US presses China to rein in junta, saying it cannot be 'business as usual' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/26/myanmar-executions-us-presses-china-to-rein-in-junta-saying-it-cannot-be-business-as-usual |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=the Guardian |language=en |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922030633/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/26/myanmar-executions-us-presses-china-to-rein-in-junta-saying-it-cannot-be-business-as-usual |url-status=live }}</ref>

In August 2021, as the protests escalated into greater conflict, two Myanmar citizens in the United States were arrested over an alleged plot to hire hitmen to [[assassination|assassinate]] [[Kyaw Moe Tun]], Myanmar's representative to the [[United Nations]] in New York.<ref>{{cite news |title=Myanmar military says had 'nothing to do' with UN envoy plot |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/10/myanmar-military-says-had-nothing-to-do-with-un-envoy-plot |work=Al Jazeera |date=10 August 2021 |access-date=20 January 2023 |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205234258/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/10/myanmar-military-says-had-nothing-to-do-with-un-envoy-plot |url-status=live }}</ref>

In December 2022, The BURMA Act was passed in Congress authorising sanctions on individuals involved in the coup d'état, providing support to civil society and humanitarian assistance as well as creating a position within the State Department dedicated to democracy in Burma.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://foreignaffairs.house.gov/2022/4/meeks-issues-statement-on-house-passage-of-burma-act |title=Meeks Issues Statement on House Passage of BURMA Act |date=6 April 2022 |website=House Foreign Affairs Committee |access-date=20 January 2023 |archive-date=31 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231150112/https://foreignaffairs.house.gov/2022/4/meeks-issues-statement-on-house-passage-of-burma-act |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=U.S. Senate Passes Burma Act Bill |url=https://www.abc-usa.org/2022/12/u-s-senate-passes-burma-act-bill/ |website=American Baptist Churches USA |date=16 December 2022 |access-date=20 January 2023 |archive-date=2 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202184408/https://www.abc-usa.org/2022/12/u-s-senate-passes-burma-act-bill/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====US activities in Myanmar====
{{main|CIA activities in Myanmar}}
On 10 September 2007, the Burmese Government accused the CIA of assassinating a rebel [[Karen people|Karen]] commander from the [[Karen National Union]] who wanted to negotiate with the military government.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.narinjara.com/details.asp?id=1434 |title=Burma Accuses CIA of Involvement in KNU Assassination |publisher=Narinjara.com |date=9 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430222348/http://www.narinjara.com/details.asp?id=1434 |archive-date=30 April 2011}}</ref>

In 2011, ''[[The Guardian]]'' newspaper published [[United States diplomatic cables leak|leaked diplomatic cables]] information that revealed that the US funded some civil society groups in Myanmar who eventually forced the government to suspend the controversial Chinese [[Myitsone Dam]] on the [[Irrawaddy river]].<ref name=TG>{{cite news|title=WikiLeaks cables: Americans funded groups that stalled Burma dam project|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/sep/30/us-embassy-cables-burma-myitsone-dam|access-date=1 November 2013|newspaper=The Guardian|date=30 September 2011|archive-date=27 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627135151/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/sep/30/us-embassy-cables-burma-myitsone-dam|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to media reports in 2010, the [[Embassy of the United States, Yangon|Embassy of the United States]] in Yangon is the site of an electronic surveillance facility used to monitor telephones and communications networks jointly run by the [[Special Collection Service]].<ref name=MmT>{{cite news|last=Tim McLaughlin and Nyan Lynn Aung |title=US embassy in Yangon a secret listening post: Snowden |url=http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/8646-us-embassy-in-yangon-a-secret-listening-post-snowden.html |access-date=31 October 2013 |newspaper=The Myanmar Times |date=31 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102170628/http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/8646-us-embassy-in-yangon-a-secret-listening-post-snowden.html |archive-date=2 November 2013}}</ref>

====Diplomatic missions====
The [[Embassy of the United States, Yangon|US Embassy in Myanmar]] is located in [[Yangon]], whilst the Burmese diplomatic representation to America is based in [[Washington, D.C.]]

=====Major officials of the US Embassy in Yangon=====

Source:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://burma.usembassy.gov/mobile/key_officers.html |title=Key Officers &#124; Embassy of the United States Yangon, Myanmar |publisher=Burma.usembassy.gov |date=23 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904003450/https://burma.usembassy.gov/mobile/key_officers.html |archive-date=4 September 2015}}</ref>

* Ambassador Thomas L. Vajda
* Deputy Chief of Mission Deborah C. Lynn
* Political & Affairs Chief Douglas Sonnek
* Public Affairs Officer Adrienne Nutzman
* Consular Chief Andrew Webster-Main
* Management Officer Luther Lindberg
* Defence [[Attaché]] Colonel William Dickey
* [[CIA|Information Officer]] Bob Lynn

===Russia===
{{main|Myanmar–Russia relations}}
Bilateral relations with the [[Russian Federation]] are among the strongest enjoyed by a largely isolated Burma. Russia had established diplomatic relations with Myanmar at independence and these continued after the fall of the [[Soviet Union]]. China and Russia once vetoed a [[U.N. Security Council]] resolution condemning the Burmese government.<ref name="BBC">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7011746.stm Chinese dilemma over Burma] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615204903/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7011746.stm |date=15 June 2020 }} (25 September 2007). BBC. Retrieved 30 May 2008.</ref><ref name="WP">[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/12/AR2007011201115.html Russia, China veto resolution criticizing Burma] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031043153/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/12/AR2007011201115.html |date=31 October 2017 }} (13 January 2007). ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved 30 May 2008.</ref> Today Russia, along with China, remains part of the UN Security Council, which occasionally shields Myanmar from global pressure and criticism, and remains a strong Tatmadaw ally.

Russia maintains an embassy in Yangon whilst Myanmar maintains one in Moscow.

==== Nuclear centre deal ====
{{Main|Myanmar and weapons of mass destruction}}
In 2007 Russia and Myanmar engaged in a deal regarding Myanmar's [[nuclear research|nuclear programme]]. According to the press release, Russia and Myanmar shall construct a nuclear research centre that 'will comprise a 10&nbsp;MW light-water reactor working on 20%-enriched uranium-235, an activation analysis laboratory, a medical isotope production laboratory, silicon doping system, nuclear waste treatment and burial facilities'.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6658713.stm Russia and Myanmar in nuclear deal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725001428/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6658713.stm |date=25 July 2019 }}. BBC 15 May 2007</ref>

==== Diplomatic missions ====
* {{in lang|en|my|ru}} Embassy of Russia in Yangon