US President Donald Trump has doubled down on his decision to attack Venezuela and capture the country’s President, Nicolas Maduro, saying he’s “not looking to hurt people”.
On international criticism of the US’ assault in Caracas, Trump dismissed those questioning the legality of his administration’s actions on another country, saying international law is “subjective” and that he is guided by his “morality”.
“I don’t need international law. I’m not looking to hurt people,” the US President said, and insisted he abides by international law, only to add: “But it depends on what your definition of international law is”.
Trump’s recent actions have prompted most countries to question the credibility of US military action and expressed fear for the future of smaller nations when faced with bigger, and more territorially ambitious neighbours.
Many nations, including China, Japan, Russia, France, Germany, other NATO members, and Singapore, have criticised the move, saying that “the raids should not have taken place without due process”.
China has described Maduro’s capture as “an abduction”, and demanded his immediate release while questioning the legal authority of the United States to conduct a trial of an elected president in a New York federal court.
Also Read: US attack on Venezuela will impact South Asia: Singapore Minister
On similar lines, Singapore’s emeritus Senior Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, said on Thursday that “US actions in Venezuela will have serious implications for the international order”.
Germany, a strong ally of the United States, also strongly criticised US action in Venezuela and its decision to undermine international law and the security of democratic nations.
Trump’s willingness to act unilaterally and use force against adversaries to pursue his foreign policy goals has challenged the notion that the world is governed by a rules-based order.
Despite facing strong backlash, he remains undeterred by criticism, as seen in his determination to maintain influence over Venezuela by prosecuting its president and controlling its oil reserves.
However, the US troops’ capture of Maduro remains a clear violation of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits “the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.”
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