The mild responses by America’s Asian allies in response to the US military strike on Venezuela stem from a desire not to “bite the hand that feeds” them, analysts have said, noting that some countries were buying time by claiming to monitor the situation.
Following the raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday to face narcoterrorism charges on US soil, President Donald Trump declared on Sunday that Washington was “in charge” of the South American nation, including its oil reserves.
Threatening further military action, Trump also warned acting Venezuelan president Delcy Rodríguez that she would face a fate “probably worse than Maduro” if she failed to cooperate.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Sunday avoided criticism of Trump’s military strikes on Venezuela, pointing out that Tokyo had consistently respected fundamental values and principles such as freedom, democracy and the rule of law.
Urging a de-escalation of tensions, South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday called for calm and restoration of democracy, adding that Seoul was closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela.
Australia on Sunday called on “all relevant parties” to support dialogue and diplomacy following the strike, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stating that the government was “monitoring developments” in Venezuela.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters issued a brief statement on social media, calling all parties “to act in accordance with international law”.
