In reaction to recent U.S. military actions in Venezuela, leaders throughout the Asia-Pacific region are encouraging restraint, diplomacy, and respect for international law as the crisis unfolds.
This very situation escalated early this month when the United States launched a “large-scale” strike against the Venezuelan military and government installations, resulting in the reported capture and removal of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The U.S. administration has shown its operation as part of efforts to address accused drug trafficking and regional instability but has provoked international controversy and concern.
Australia, one of the region’s key voices, has taken a cautious stance. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Canberra is closely monitoring developments and called on all relevant parties to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further escalation and support regional stability. He emphasised Australia’s continued support for international law and a peaceful, democratic transition to Venezuela that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.
Japan, too, has stressed diplomatic cooperation in response to the crisis. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tokyo would work with “relevant countries” to facilitate efforts towards the stabilisation and restoration of democracy in Venezuela. Tokyo has also highlighted the safety of Japanese nationals in the region as a priority.
Other governments in the region have echoed calls for calm. South Korea’s foreign ministry said it is monitoring the situation closely and urged all parties to help alleviate tensions, emphasising the value of respecting Venezuelans’ rights and democratic processes. The Philippines and Thailand both urged peaceful resolution and restraint to avoid further conflict.
These responses from other regions show the larger concern taken globally about the actions the U.S. applies, which have drawn both cautious and condemned support from nations as well as organisations around the world. Analysts have argued that the strike sets quite a controversial example for unilateral military intervention, while supporters maintain that restoring democratic normalcy in Venezuela could benefit the country and the region.
While the leaders of the world call for negotiated pathways as well as diplomacy, the situation continues to evolve and rise, with governments watching closely to balance geopolitical interests with legal as well as stability norms.
