Singapore Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong voiced significant apprehension regarding the United States' willingness to engage in unilateral military operations, specifically referencing its actions in Venezuela.
Lee described these interventions as having serious geopolitical implications and warned that their long-term consequences merit serious consideration.
In a recent academic forum held on January 8, Lee said Singapore is "gravely concerned" by the US military intervention in Venezuela.
Lee highlighted the complex legitimacy issues surrounding the Venezuelan government, and argued that such circumstances "do not justify military intervention by one country into another, unilaterally and without any proper authorisation."
Lee remarked that while the US may perceive its operations as successful, the broader impact on the international system could be problematic. "From the point of view of a small country, if that is the way the world works, we have a problem."
The Senior Minister noted that recent strategic shifts have occurred globally, including US military actions in regions such as the Middle East and Nigeria.
"The US has become more willing to act unilaterally when it sees its national interests require this."
While acknowledging that these interventions might yield immediate benefits, he cautioned against the unpredictable and severe repercussions they could entail for global relations. "Going to war has grievous and very unpredictable consequences," Lee warned.
Lee further emphasized that countries in the Asia-Pacific region are likely to reassess their positions in light of these developments. He stated that the future dynamics will depend on China's approach to its regional neighbors and the international community.
He said China has made the right statements about multilateralism and a rules-based system, and hopes to see these translated into actual policies.
In discussing US-China relations, Lee noted that both nations are likely to avoid incurring significant economic costs due to their rivalry. "China is not a pushover. America, for all its difficulties, is not going to disappear and, as (former US Secretary of State) Henry Kissinger often says, a war between the US and China cannot be won and must not be fought."
However, Lee claimed that "but that's not something which is top of mind, I think, right now in the decision makers."
Regarding Taiwan, Lee reiterated Singapore's commitment to the one-China policy and its opposition to any unilateral changes to the existing status quo.
"The status quo is never a static, frozen thing. It is dynamic, it shifts," he remarked.
Expressing hope for stability, Lee said that heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait would be "very troubling" and emphasized the importance of working towards calming relationships in the region.
