The Burmese junta's nuclear ambitions date back to 2002

[geovalin]

 

Myanmar's pursuit of nuclear technology dates back to the early 2000s, with the recent junta confirming plans to build a small-scale nuclear power plant in the coming years. Despite claims that nuclear energy will address chronic electricity shortages, concerns persist that this may be a step toward nuclear weapons development. 

 

The following is a timeline of Myanmar’s nuclear ambitions:

 

• January 2002: Myanmar's military regime announces plans for a nuclear research reactor.

• May 2002: Russia’s Minatom agrees to assist in building a nuclear studies center in Magwe Division.

• July 2002: Russia and Myanmar sign an agreement for the center’s construction.

• April 2004: Concerns arise about North Korea’s possible nuclear assistance to Myanmar.

• February 2004: The regime denies nuclear weapon ambitions but asserts its right to peaceful nuclear facilities.

• September 2004: 400 Myanmar military officers travel to Russia, some to study nuclear engineering.

• August 2006: Myanmar's UN representative expresses opposition to nuclear weapons.

• May 2007: Russia’s Rosatom commits to building Myanmar’s nuclear facility.

• May 2007: The US condemns the project; Thailand expresses no concerns under IAEA supervision.

• November 2008: A Myanmar military delegation visits North Korea, arousing concerns about military nuclear aspirations.

• 2010: Major Sai Thein Win leaks evidence of Myanmar’s nuclear weapons development with North Korean support.

• July 2013: A senior military official is sanctioned by the US for illicit North Korean arms trade.

• 2016: Under Aung San Suu Kyi’s government, Myanmar signs the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

• 2018: Myanmar ratifies the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

• September 2022: The junta and Russia’s Rosatom sign a roadmap for atomic energy cooperation.

• September 2022: Junta confirms plans for a nuclear power plant, establishing an information center in Yangon.

• February 2023: The nuclear information center officially opens in Yangon.

• March 2025: Min Aung Hlaing visits Moscow, signing agreements for a 110 MW small modular reactor near Naypyitaw, with potential expansion to 330 MW.

 

This timeline highlights Myanmar’s deepening nuclear ties with Russia, raising questions about the true intent of its nuclear ambitions.

 

-2025-03-21