US Military Action in Venezuela Raises Concerns, Says Singapore Minister

Singapore expressed deep concern over the recent military intervention by the United States in Venezuela, an action that Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong described as contrary to international law and the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter. During an academic forum at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute on January 8, 2026, Lee emphasized that such unilateral military actions undermine global stability.

The U.S. operation, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3, has sparked discussions about its implications. Maduro is facing serious legal challenges, including charges of narcotics trafficking and possession of illegal weapons. Despite the immediate success of the intervention, Lee warned that the long-term consequences could destabilize the international order.

“While Venezuela is a complicated country, that does not justify military intervention by one country into another, unilaterally and without any proper authorization,” Lee stated. He addressed an audience of academics, officials, and lawmakers, highlighting the potential repercussions for smaller nations like Singapore if such actions become normalized.

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the country’s commitment to international law and respect for the sovereignty of all nations. The ministry has consistently opposed any military interventions that contravene these principles. This stance was echoed by Lee, who noted that Singapore has maintained a clear position on similar situations in the past, including the conflict in Ukraine in 2022 and the U.S. invasion of Grenada in 1983.

Lee elaborated on the shifting global dynamics, indicating that the U.S. has become increasingly willing to act unilaterally when it perceives its national interests at stake. He mentioned recent actions in the Middle East and Nigeria, alongside the intervention in Venezuela. According to Lee, while these actions may yield short-term successes, they pose significant risks to the established international framework that promotes peaceful coexistence among nations.

He pointed to the recent ceasefire in Gaza as a case where U.S. military actions appeared to have led to immediate positive outcomes. However, he cautioned, “Going to war has grievous and very unpredictable consequences.” This reflects a broader trend where countries must reevaluate their security strategies, particularly in Europe, where nations are grappling with their defense responsibilities in a post-U.S. security landscape.

Furthermore, Lee noted that countries in the Asia-Pacific region are also reassessing their positions in light of the evolving geopolitical landscape. The U.S. remains a vital security partner, yet China’s growing influence in economic matters cannot be overlooked. “Much in the Asia-Pacific will depend on how China chooses to engage with its regional neighbors and the wider world,” he remarked.

As the international community navigates these complex issues, Lee expressed hope for a more stable future. He remarked, “We hope we don’t have any tectonic shocks again. Nobody can predict these things, but we hope that 2025 will have been more exciting than 2026.” The remarks underline Singapore’s commitment to advocating for a rules-based international order, ensuring that the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity are upheld for all nations, especially smaller states.