Singapore’s Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has voiced serious concerns about the broader implications of the United States’ recent military strike in Venezuela, describing the long-term consequences for the international system and small states as deeply troubling.

Speaking at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s Regional Outlook Forum in Singapore on January 8, Lee underscored that while Venezuela’s internal challenges have affected the region, unilateral military action by one country against another cannot be justified without proper international authorization.

According to Asia News Network, Lee highlighted Singapore’s “grave concern” over the US strike on January 3 and reaffirmed the Republic’s opposition to military interventions that contravene international law. He stressed that Singapore consistently takes clear positions at the United Nations and urged that fundamental principles of sovereignty and the rules-based order be upheld.

Lee noted that Venezuelan instability  including issues such as drug trafficking and refugee flows has long presented difficulties for neighbouring countries, but he warned that using force without global consent sets a worrying precedent. “From the point of view of a small country, if that is the way the world works, we have a problem,” he said, adding that the immediate tactical success of the intervention may mask deeper consequences for global peace and stability.

The senior minister also urged smaller states to build resilience by maintaining strong economies, robust defence capabilities and active diplomatic engagement, ensuring they have options and are not forced to take sides in great-power rivalries. The comments reflect broader international unease following the US action, which has drawn attention from governments and analysts evaluating its potential to reshape regional dynamics and challenge established norms of international conduct.

BOB Post