Several Southeast Asian countries have voiced serious concern over the escalating situation in Venezuela following a high-profile U.S. military operation targeting President Nicolás Maduro. The unprecedented pre-dawn raid, in which U.S. commandos reportedly detained Maduro and his wife while air strikes hit key locations in Caracas, has sparked alarm across the region, prompting governments to emphasize the safety of their citizens and the importance of international law.
The U.S. operation, announced by President Donald Trump, marked a dramatic escalation in Washington’s approach to Venezuela. Trump stated that the United States would “run” the country and exploit its vast oil reserves, signaling a direct intervention in the nation’s political and economic affairs. The action immediately drew sharp criticism from multiple Southeast Asian governments, who described it as a breach of international law.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed “grave concern” over the developments, condemning the raid as an unlawful use of force against a sovereign state. In a Sunday statement, Anwar urged the immediate release of Maduro and his spouse, emphasizing that forcibly removing a sitting head of government “sets a dangerous precedent” and undermines the legal framework that underpins international order.
Anwar also highlighted that Malaysia consistently opposes foreign intervention in the internal affairs of other countries. “These principles are enshrined in the United Nations Charter and form the foundation of peaceful dispute resolution,” he said. Malaysia’s foreign ministry confirmed that its embassy in Caracas had contacted all registered Malaysians in the country and verified that they were safe. Officials added that the embassy would continue to provide consular assistance if required.
Thailand has adopted a similarly cautious stance. Its embassy in Lima, which manages Venezuelan affairs, has been in contact with Thai nationals and confirmed their safety. The Thai Foreign Ministry called for restraint and a peaceful resolution to the conflict, underscoring that the protection of civilians and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people must remain the top priority. “Thailand urges all parties to adhere to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law,” the ministry said in a statement reported by local media.
The Philippines also issued statements emphasizing the need for de-escalation. The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it is closely monitoring the situation and has instructed its embassy in Bogota, which serves as the non-resident mission for Venezuela, to provide guidance and assistance to Filipino nationals in the country. “The Philippines urges all concerned parties to resolve disputes peacefully and exercise restraint to prevent escalation of conflict,” the DFA stated.
Vietnam and Indonesia joined the chorus of concerned voices. Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged all parties involved to respect international law and the principles of sovereignty, particularly the non-use of force in international relations. The Vietnamese government has warned its citizens to reconsider travel to Venezuela and established an emergency communication channel through its Caracas embassy to monitor developments and issue updates. Vietnamese nationals were advised to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Indonesia, for its part, reported that all Indonesian citizens in Venezuela were safe and advised them to stay vigilant and maintain regular contact with the embassy. The Indonesian foreign ministry emphasized that peaceful dialogue and de-escalation must guide international responses. “Indonesia calls on all relevant parties to prioritise dialogue and non-violent conflict resolution,” the ministry said, according to local news outlet Antara.
Singapore, known for its staunch commitment to international law, described the U.S. action as deeply concerning. Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged restraint from all parties, reaffirming Singapore’s opposition to any foreign military intervention that violates the UN Charter. “Singapore is committed to protecting the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of all states, particularly smaller nations,” the ministry said.
The rapid U.S. intervention in Venezuela has thus triggered a rare moment of diplomatic convergence among Southeast Asian nations, all of whom highlighted the importance of respecting sovereignty and upholding international norms. Regional governments also underscored the need to ensure the safety of their citizens amid the uncertainty in Caracas, establishing consular communication lines and issuing advisories to nationals.
Analysts suggest that the strong reactions from Southeast Asia reflect broader concerns about unilateral military interventions and the potential destabilization of international norms. The U.S. operation, seen by many in the region as a forceful assertion of power, raises questions about precedent and the global balance of power. By emphasizing dialogue and restraint, Southeast Asian nations are signaling a preference for multilateral, law-based approaches to conflict resolution rather than unilateral action.
As events continue to unfold, the eyes of the world remain fixed on Venezuela. While U.S. officials have framed the operation as a decisive move to assert control over the country’s oil wealth and political future, Southeast Asian governments are advocating for adherence to established international rules and the immediate safeguarding of civilians and foreign nationals. The coming days are likely to test not only Venezuela’s stability but also the capacity of international law to govern the actions of powerful states in moments of crisis.
