Myanmar's foreign relations have been subjected to significant changes from the late 1980s. These changes derive both from domestic political changes within the country as well as international responses to these changes. Depending on the country involved, specific issues have also tended to have an overwhelming impact on bilateral relations. This chapter examines the domestic contours and considerations in Myanmar's foreign policy output as well as the nature of its relations with the United States and the West, China, India, Japan, and the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It would not be an exaggeration to note from the very outset that the policy output of the major powers towards Myanmar has tended to be reactive rather than proactive. The policy output of China and ASEAN has tended to be more proactive but these relationships are in turn determined by China's and ASEAN's greater strategic consideration of the bilateral relationship.

Organizationally, this chapter is divided into seven major sections. The first section examines normative values that have informed Myanmar's foreign policy as well as significant historical conjunctions that have led to major shifts in policy positions. The next five sections examine Myanmar's bilateral relations with the United States and the West, China, India, Japan, and ASEAN. Finally, the last section summarizes the nature of Myanmar's bilateral relations with the countries examined.

Significant Historical Conjunctions and Policy Priorities

Myanmar's foreign relations with the external world since the country gained its independence in 1948 were a function of domestic political developments, as noted at the outset, as well as a number of important general perceptions. In terms of important political developments, major historical turning points occurred in 1962 when the military wrested power from the civilian government, and in 1988 when the Burma Socialist Programme Party (BSPP) government was replaced by the military junta.