REACH (Telegram) 111 - What are your views on Singapore's response to the US’ intervention in Venezuela?
(SK)
05 Jan 2026 (10am - 7pm)
REACH (Telegram)
REACH Singapore, [5/1/2026 10:01 am]
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REACH Singapore, [5/1/2026 10:09 am]
📢 Topic 📢
Singapore is gravely concerned by the US intervention in Venezuela on 3 Jan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement on 4 Jan.
“Singapore is deeply committed to international law and the principles of the UN Charter that safeguard the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, especially small states,” the ministry added.
“Singapore has consistently opposed actions contrary to international law by any parties, including foreign military intervention in any country.”
MFA said that Singapore urges all parties to exercise restraint and hopes for a peaceful resolution to the situation in Venezuela in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
💬 What are your views on Singapore's response to the US’ intervention in Venezuela?
The US attacked Venezuela and deposed President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on 3 Jan, with US President Donald Trump promising to put the country under American control for now.
📌 Capture of Venezuelan President
Mr Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores had been indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges including “narco-terrorism conspiracy”, conspiracy to import cocaine and charges related to machine guns, said US Attorney-General Pam Bondi.
Trump said in a press conference on Saturday (3 Jan) that the US will "run" Venezuela and tap its huge oil reserves. He said he was "designating people" from his Cabinet to be in charge in Venezuela but gave no further details. He also indicated US troops could be deployed, saying Washington is "not afraid of boots on the ground".
📌 Strikes in Venezuela
Venezuela separately said in a statement it rejected the "military aggression" by the US.
Attacks took place in the capital of Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, the statement said, prompting the country's government to declare a national emergency and call on social and political forces to "activate mobilisation plans".
📌 Responses by International Community
"The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition" in Venezuela, the EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas wrote on X. "Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint," she wrote.
Countries such as Russia and Iran, which had longstanding ties with Maduro's government, were quick to condemn the operation. China said it is "deeply shocked and strongly condemns the US’ blatant use of force against a sovereign state and its action against its president".
MFA’s Statement
👉 https://go.gov.sg/situation-in-venezuela-4-jan-2026
Useful Links
👉 https://cna.asia/3NeUyKV
👉 https://cna.asia/4pFzhYB
👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/venezuela-us-strikes-eu-urge-restraint-respect-international-law-maduro-capture-5788076
----
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 10:15 am]
All the symptoms of WWII, has emerged.
Sigh...
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 10:16 am]
1. Notably, big powers snatch critical resources.
Oil is one critical resources.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 10:25 am]
A war can start with very little notice.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 10:40 am]
That is why we need to secure:-
1. Water security
2. Energy security
3. Food security
Urgently - through domestic production.
REACH Singapore, [5/1/2026 11:02 am]
[ Poll : 1. I am concerned about the potential impact of US’ actions in Venezuela on Singapore. Please share your views in the chat. ]
- Very concerned
- Somewhat concerned
- Neutral
- Not very concerned
- Not very concerned at all
REACH Singapore, [5/1/2026 11:02 am]
[ Poll : 2. I agree with Singapore’s response to the developments in Venezuela. Please share your views in the chat. ]
- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Neutral
- Disagree
- Strongly disagree
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 11:09 am]
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/southeast-asian-countries-call-peaceful-resolution-conflict-in-venezuela-pledge-ensure-citizens-safety-5788691
Southeast Asian countries call for peaceful resolution of conflict in Venezuela, pledge to ensure citizens’ safety.
Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines were among Southeast Asian states that have spoken out over the situation in Venezuela.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 11:10 am]
In a statement on Sunday, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that he has followed the developments in Venezuela with “grave concern”, adding that the US’ actions “constitute a clear violation of international law and amount to an unlawful use of force against a sovereign state”.
Anwar called for the immediate release of Maduro and his wife.
“Whatever may be the reasons, the forcible removal of a sitting head of government through external action sets a dangerous precedent. It erodes fundamental restraints on the use of power between states and weakens the legal framework that underpins international order,” Anwar said.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 11:12 am]
Source:- DeepSeek
No, such an action would be unequivocally illegal under international law and the UN Charter.
Kidnapping the President of Venezuela.
However, analyzing the legality of such an act under the UN Charter is clear:
Key Violations of the UN Charter:
1. Violation of Sovereignty (Article 2(1)): The Charter is founded on the principle of the sovereign equality of all member states. A kidnapping by one state's agent of the head of state of another on their own soil would be a gross violation of Venezuela's sovereignty.
2. Prohibition of the Use of Force (Article 2(4)): States are required to "refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state." An extraterritorial abduction by state agents constitutes an act of force.
3. Violation of Territorial Integrity: Such an act would be a direct assault on the inviolability of a state's territory.
4. Potential Act of Aggression: Depending on the circumstances, it could be classified as an "act of aggression" under international law and UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, potentially justifying the use of self-defense by the victim state.
Additional Legal Frameworks It Would Violate:
· The Charter of the Organization of American States (OAS): Which also enshrines the principles of non-intervention and sovereignty.
· The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations: Heads of state enjoy special protections under international law.
· International Human Rights Law: It would constitute a severe violation of personal liberty and security.
· Domestic Law of Venezuela: It would be a serious crime under Venezuelan law.
· U.S. Domestic Law: U.S. personnel carrying out such an act without authorization would likely violate multiple U.S. laws, including the assassination ban (Executive Order 12333) and other statutes prohibiting unauthorized military action.
Any such covert action, if it were to be undertaken, would:
· Be a flagrant violation of international law.
· Likely require authorization as a covert action under U.S. law, which would face immense legal and political scrutiny.
· Trigger a major international crisis, potentially including military retaliation, universal condemnation at the UN Security Council and General Assembly, and likely rupturing alliances.
Conclusion:
The hypothetical kidnapping of a sitting head of state by another state's agents is not a legally permissible action under any provision of the UN Charter.
It would represent one of the most serious breaches of international law possible, fundamentally undermining the core principles of the post-World War II international order.
365, [5/1/2026 11:41 am]
As much as we want to believe in a world governed by law and order, the evidence that might makes right has been there for very long. When the US can dictate who sovereign countries can trade with, because no one dares to oppose them, only due to their military might.
Now that they have become either desperate or greedy for more resources, they resort to such means.
What consequences the US will have from this event will dictate if the world order will stay, nothing happening to them will emboldened other countries to do the same, citing whatever reasons to cover their true intent, and it'll be hard to argue why they are wrong if US goes unpunished.
Unfortunately this seems the most likely path, I don't forsee countries coming together to sanction the US.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 11:44 am]
1. That's why important to vote in leaders and lawmakers with good character minus character flaw.
Else he/she will act with impunity given the power by voters, act on his flaw instincts, fuel by his/her character flaws.
2. Voters who are focus at political angles, who are willing to overlook candidates with character flaws - will eventually backfire when candidates with flaw character come into power and unleash their inherent flaw personalities breaking laws, constitution and launch mafia like actions - bringing untold harm to society and the world.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 11:53 am]
[05/01, 8:28 am] Close friend comment: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/denmark-prime-minister-us-stop-threatening-greenland-venezuela-5789361?cid=internal_sharetool_androidphone_05012026_cna
[05/01, 8:28 am] Close friend comment: Also eyeing Greenland
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 12:13 pm]
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-04/china-social-media-hails-trump-s-maduro-move-as-taiwan-template
China Social Media Hails US Maduro Move as a Taiwan Template.
You see 1 do, others want to follow.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 12:13 pm]
Then all hell break loose.
365, [5/1/2026 12:29 pm]
He's also coveting Greenland, whether he makes a move on allies remain the be seen
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 12:33 pm]
Hmm....
He is very unpredictable.
That's why it make global peace unsettling.
Khai Mun L., [5/1/2026 12:34 pm]
Sg needs to oppose this. There's no stopping trump or any other country from claiming that singapore is important to their 'benefits' and taking control of us
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 12:36 pm]
I think if the issue is raise in UN, member countries can vote accordingly.
But we must focus on the issue and not on the person or the country.
Because at the backend, we have alot of collaboration in many topics that are vital to our National Interest.
365, [5/1/2026 12:37 pm]
The unfortunate fact is sg is very small, they can just as easily ignore us at best, and at worse make other countries turn against us with their power and threats
365, [5/1/2026 12:37 pm]
Need a big alliance, independent of the US
365, [5/1/2026 12:38 pm]
UN too skewed in US favor, they can just veto anything not favorable to them
365, [5/1/2026 12:38 pm]
The structure of UN is imbalanced for the few countries with veto power
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 12:38 pm]
We just need to vote according to the right principles and right conscience to make our stand clear.
And even though we don't agree on this issue, we still can work together on other issues vital to our national security or trade.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 12:41 pm]
That's why we can still be Friends with All, Enemies with None.
Because we focus on issues, not the person, not the country based on principle stand.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 12:48 pm]
1. Eg. The very emotional issues that rile our Muslim brothers and sisters as well as our Christian brothers and sisters.
We don't break ties with Israel and Palestine.
We just focus on the issue based on principle stand.
Vote against hostage taking, genocide, humanitarian infringement on both sides - but still keep the ties with both intact and work collaboratively for our National Interest - eg. Trade, technology exchange etc.
We don't break ties.
And we still can maintain our principles of:-
Friends with All. Enemies with None.
2. Likewise for Russia Ukraine war.
Even though we vote against aggression and impose targeted sanctions, we still maintain ties with both Russia and Ukraine.
We also continue to trade minus sanctions products.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 12:52 pm]
This is based on pragmatic approach to foreign affairs.
Because as a small nation, we need to trade and do business with every member countries.
While we need to uphold the right principles, work in accordance to international law, make our stand clear and consistent - we also need to work and collaborate on areas that are vital to our national interest and survival.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 12:53 pm]
3. Ultimately, what is wrong will right by itself when the time is ripe.
Because Universal Law of Karma will take effects.
Joomua Tng, [5/1/2026 1:21 pm]
the issue is a double edge blade.
if Singapore doesn't stand up against such act, then it is possible that other countries able to do the same to Singapore Government leaders.
It will be good if it is up holding of Justice. But then again, take for example, isis able to establish caliphate and done the same to other countries whom they view is unislamic. on what ground Singapore will be able to survive and stand up against such evil, if Singapore does not take up the stand against U.S on such action?
One day when Malaysia decided to do the same to Singapore, what then?
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 1:26 pm]
1. That's why we need to vote according to principle stand and international laws in the UN even though the UN is quite toothless.
But it is still a place where all countries representatives converge to make a stand on international issues.
The power to influence is still there.
Even small nation like us can change people's minds - with sound reasoning, good arguments and wisdom to resolve problems.
2. Supported by like minded member countries in which many ASEAN countries as well as other countries speak out the need to comply to international law.
3. Maintain a strong SAF and invest in our military assets - so that foreign countries will see no incentives to invade Singapore.
4. And maintain good relationships with every countries in the world.
Friends with All.
Enemies with None.
So that foreign countries will not see the need to invade us.
5. Detach issue from person and country.
Joomua Tng, [5/1/2026 1:28 pm]
Singapore survives on Law and Order.
Not Might is Right.
"Right, as the world goes, is only in question between equals in power, while the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must."
- Thucydides
I encountered the above quotes from Sam Tan by a chance REACH event in bugis almost decade ago.
and if you check through the media.... Singapore Ministers used the same quotes before, over and over again.
.......
Truth and Reality.
We are living in a world where Might is Right. and only when it is hold by entities that respect and uphold law and order then it is good for humanity and Singapore to survive.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 1:36 pm]
5. And above all, secure all our physiological needs - specifically water security, energy security and food security.
When the world become turbulence, countries will snatch critical resources and we will only leave with scraps.
Not to mention imports, because water ways and air freight will be blocked.
Critical resources prices will soar as countries scramble to protect and secure the resources for their own - and we left with little or nothing - not to even mention cheap cheap oil or food.
Even got money cannot buy.
Hence ramping up and securing the 3 physiological security needs domestically are so important - else we couldn't survive without water, electricity and food.
G, [5/1/2026 1:36 pm]
This response makes SG's sanction on Russia look too short sighted, or maybe to even appease other world powers.
How come so quick to sanction Russia for breaking international law, but take so long to come with a "gravely concerned" posture with the USA?
Will foreign minister impose sanctions on USA? Can he impose sanctions on USA? Can SG afford to impose sanctions on USA?
This undermines SG's credibility on the world stage.
More important questions:
Are we becoming another country's vassal state?
Have we already become another country's vassal state?
How does this impact our standing with our ASEAN neighbours?
How sovereign is SG really?
To paraphrase bilahari: are we now just a seat at the UN with a flag?
REACH Singapore, [5/1/2026 2:01 pm]
📢 Topic 📢
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 2:10 pm]
To broadly categorised Singapore approach to foreign affairs:-
Focus on:-
1. Heart
2. Mind
3. Matter
Even as a small nation, we can stand tall, influence and bring about changes to world affairs amid subtly.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 2:15 pm]
Heart
1. Make our foreign affairs consistent and clear.
"Friends with All.
Enemies with None.
2. But we don't compromise the right principles, right moral standards and conformance to International law.
3. We focus on issues at hand, vote accordingly, voice accordingly.
4. We must be consistent with our stands.
5. We practice what we say.
6. We don't practice double standards whether allies, partners, friends, acquaintances or "adversaries - hope we don't have".
7. Only then we have the moral high ground to influence international affairs in UN forums.
Appealing to the Heart.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 2:20 pm]
Mind
1. Next our mind must be :-
a. Principled - we are morally right. We follow our conscience on what is right, what is wrong.
b. Conformance to International law.
c. Clarity in understanding not only issues that appear on the surface but also the underlying circumstances that fuel the problem.
d. And our stand must be consistent, clear and principled as we vote, communicate in the UN.
e. And we must use wisdom to be able to offer solutions and alternatives to resolve international problems as well as to safeguard our national interest, security and survival.
Ultimately, UN are make up of humans.
Humans have conscience 良知。
As long as we can appeal to humans with Right Heart (Empathy), with Right Mind (right moral and right solutions) - we can subtly change the world.
扭转乾坤。
Appealing to the Mind.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 2:24 pm]
My close friend comments:-
We are in a "prisoners' dilemma" situation.
In this game, we need all parties to see that cooperating is the way for all to win.
But then, individual countries may be due to their short term political goals, will choose not to cooperate and choose short term gains... Sigh!
G, [5/1/2026 2:28 pm]
So should SG sanction USA like how SG sanctioned Russia?
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 2:30 pm]
My own personal opinion:- no to both.
G, [5/1/2026 2:35 pm]
But now already sanctioned Russia. So to be consistent, need to sanction USA also right?
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 2:36 pm]
No to both.
G, [5/1/2026 2:36 pm]
So lift sanction on Russia now?
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 2:37 pm]
Leave it to the government to decide.
G, [5/1/2026 2:37 pm]
How can they be consistent?
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 2:42 pm]
Matter
1. Next we must secure our National Security with Matter.
2. That's we must ensure a strong SAF, train our soldiers well, invest in effective military assets, R&D new capabilities and ensure our Armed Forces are strong and can win wars.
3. Secure all our physiological needs - water security, energy security and food security.
So that in the event of global turbulence - our physiological survival is safeguarded.
This is appealing to the Matter.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 2:44 pm]
So as long as we do well in our 3 areas :-
1. Heart
2. Mind
3. Matter
Singapore though as a small nation, can stand tall in the Global Stage and we can secure our National Interest and National Security.
REACH Singapore, [5/1/2026 4:11 pm]
📢 Topic 📢
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 4:15 pm]
"Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodriguez calls for ‘balanced and respectful’ relationship with US
Rodriguez had on Saturday given no indication that she would cooperate with Trump, referring to his government as “extremists"."
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/venezuela-interim-leader-delcy-rodriguez-nicolas-maduro-united-states-trump-5791196#:~:text=Venezuela%27s%20interim%20leader,government%20as%20%E2%80%9Cextremists%22.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 4:16 pm]
On Sunday, Trump’s tone shifted as Rodriguez and other Venezuelan officials continued to rail against the Trump administration and assert that they were in control of the country.
"If she doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro," Trump said of Rodriguez in an interview with The Atlantic.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 4:18 pm]
In comments later Sunday night, Trump said Rodriguez is “cooperating".
He added that he wanted her to provide “total access”, from oil facilities to basic infrastructure like roads, so they can be rebuilt.
But Trump also reiterated his threat that she could “face a situation probably worse than Maduro” if she doesn’t cooperate with the US.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 4:35 pm]
In comments to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump raised the possibility of further US interventions in Latin America, and suggested Colombia and Mexico could also face military action if they do not reduce the flow of illicit drugs to the United States.
“Operation Colombia sounds good to me,” Trump said. He also said that Cuba, a close ally of Venezuela, “looks like it’s ready to fall” on its own without US military action.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 4:37 pm]
Earlier on Sunday, Trump said the US may intervene in other countries as well. “We do need Greenland, absolutely.” Katie Miller, the wife of Trump’s deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, posted a social media picture of Greenland painted in the colours of the US flag, and the word “soon”, prompting a protest from Greenland’s prime minister (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/04/greenland-denmark-us-venezuela-nicolas-maduro-donald-trump).
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 4:41 pm]
"Donald Trump warns of ‘big price to pay’ if Caracas fails to toe line.
Washington keeping 15,000-strong military presence in Caribbean in case interim president hinders US objectives".
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/04/us-running-venezuela-now-seems-less-likely-but-second-intervention-possible#:~:text=Donald%20Trump%20warns,hinders%20US%20objectives
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 5:05 pm]
So look like if :-
1. North America and Latin America war break out.
2. Russia Ukraine that trigger EU war break out.
3. Middle East war suddenly reignite.
All it needs is for Asia Pacific region war to break out.
Then the world is in a Perfect Storm for WW3.
Humanity still can survive?
Trade, Investment, travel, business still can go on?
We are very close to a WW3.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 5:06 pm]
Nobel peace prize?
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 5:07 pm]
A peace loving guy.
A business man who don't like war?
So what it sounds like on the surface is not what it seems in the underneath.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 5:09 pm]
Just a few strongmen can determine the fate of the world.
What check and balance in the political system - can be thrown out of the window.
LCL (Danny 心), [5/1/2026 5:42 pm]
A perfect storm for 3 catastrophe:-
小三灾
天灾，人祸，瘟疫。
Natural disaster, War, Pandemic.
REACH Singapore, [5/1/2026 6:00 pm]
📢 Topic 📢
REACH Singapore, [5/1/2026 6:45 pm]
Dear Contributors,
⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
REACH Singapore, [5/1/2026 7:00 pm]
Dear Contributors
We will be closing the chat for today.
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
====
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