Singapore's Position on Capture of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro

54 Mr Vikram Nair asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) what is Singapore's position in relation to the capture of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife by the United States; and (b) what are the implications for Singapore, if any, in view of such developments.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on 4 January 2026 stating our views. Singapore expressed grave concern about the US' military intervention in Venezuela on 3 January 2026, which was contrary to international law and the principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter.

Singapore has consistently opposed actions contrary to international law by any parties, including foreign military intervention in any country. We did so in the case of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the US' invasion of Grenada in 1983. Singapore has also voted accordingly on the relevant resolutions at the UN. This is because a world order based on “might is right” is more unstable and dangerous, especially for small states. It is crucial that all countries respect and uphold international law and the principles of the UN Charter that safeguard the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.

In the conduct of Singapore's foreign policy, we have taken and will continue to take a principled approach to every issue, in accordance with Singapore's long-term national interests.