Relationship dossier
Myanmar
North Korea
Relationship assessment
Myanmar–North Korea ties have included restored diplomacy and reported military cooperation, with the scope of security links unclear.
Myanmar toward North Korea
+30Myanmar restored diplomatic relations with North Korea in 2007 and, under military rule, developed military contacts with Pyongyang. Reports of arms-related cooperation indicate security engagement, though its scope and continuity are unclear.
North Korea toward Myanmar
+30North Korea restored diplomatic relations with Myanmar in 2007 and engaged in military contacts with its military government. Reports of arms-related cooperation suggest practical security ties, but the extent of North Korean support is unclear.
Overall relationship
+25The relationship combines restored diplomatic ties with reported military and arms-related engagement, particularly under Myanmar’s military government. The 1983 rupture and later restoration mark a substantial change in the relationship, while uncertainty about the scope and continuity of security cooperation limits the case for describing it as a close or comprehensive partnership.
How to read these scores
Scores are rough judgments, not objective measurements or current verification. Directional scores describe government policy and conduct, not public opinion. The overall score is an independent estimate, never an average.
- −100
- Extreme sustained hostility
- −50
- Substantially adversarial
- 0
- Mixed or neutral, supported by knowledge
- +50
- Substantially cooperative
- +100
- Exceptionally close sustained partnership
“Not assessed” means there is no recorded score. Pair existence makes no claim about diplomatic recognition or established relations.
Relationship context
Overview
Myanmar and North Korea restored diplomatic relations in 2007 after Myanmar severed them following the 1983 Rangoon bombing. Under Myanmar’s military government, the countries developed military contacts, and reports of arms-related cooperation have raised concerns about sanctions compliance. The scope and continuity of that cooperation remain unclear, so the relationship is best characterized as selective, security-focused engagement rather than a broad partnership.
Key developments
Myanmar severed diplomatic relations with North Korea after the Rangoon bombing, which North Korean agents carried out against South Korean officials.
Myanmar and North Korea restored diplomatic relations.
Reports emerged of military and arms-related cooperation between North Korea and Myanmar’s military government.
Major uncertainties
- The scope and implementation of reported military and arms-related cooperation are unclear.
- The extent to which Myanmar’s later civilian government maintained or changed military ties with North Korea is uncertain.