In an address to foreign ministers at an Asian security forum in Indonesia, Mrs Clinton said the country's rulers had to make 'concrete, measurable progress' towards meeting the international community's demands for reform.

“The country has reached a critical juncture,” Mrs. Clinton said in prepared remarks.

“The authorities in Naypyidaw can differentiate themselves from the predecessor military regime by showing that they are indeed a 'new, civilian government'... Or they can continue the path they are on.”

She said the Myanmar government could make a start by “releasing unconditionally” more than 2,000 political prisoners and conducting 'meaningful and inclusive dialogue' with the opposition and ethnic minorities.