Cautious criticism and silence: the Indo-Pacific react to Maduro’s capture

By James C. Pearce

On Jan. 2, the U.S. led a covert mission to capture and arrest Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. After weeks of sabre-rattling and military buildups in the Caribbean, elite U.S military personnel carried out a secret operation that was months in the making.

The small team involved, including one source within the Venezuelan government, maximised the element of surprise after meticulous rehearsals and intelligence gathering.

The BBC called the operation "the most extraordinary U.S. military intervention in Latin America since the Cold War."

Barring a few exceptions, most nations have condemned the operation. World leaders and governments have expressed deep concern that the Trump administration has violated international law.

U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during Operation Absolute Resolve on Jan. 2, 2026. Screengrab

Within the U.S., congressional leaders and lawyers claim the Trump administration has violated the War Powers Resolution.

Across the Indo-Pacific, public reaction has been exceedingly cautious, even silent.

In private, however, few are happy about the operation. Although there is no love lost for Maduro, Indo-Pacific nations have made it clear that they must follow and respect international law.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that Canberra is "monitoring developments" and urged "all parties to support dialogue and diplomacy in order to secure regional stability and prevent escalation."

Albanese, who has had a fractious relationship with Trump, then followed his Western partners in delivering a subtle jab at the president. "We continue to support international law and a peaceful, democratic transition in Venezuela that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people," he said.

Some countries in the Western Pacific and the South China Sea are also not unreasonably worried about a potential escalation. They fear that Maduro’s ouster might have set a precedent for other countries (read: China) to carry out similar operations in the future.

If the U.S. faces zero consequences, what is to stop Beijing from deposing its leaders, they argue. Or worse, what if the U.S. cannot be relied on as a deterrent?

The Philippines urged “concerned parties” to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions, with the country’s foreign affairs spokesperson quoted as having said Manila is closely monitoring the “evolving” situation in Venezuela.

Indonesia called for an immediate de-escalation. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) the Foreign Ministry said that, “Jakarta continues to closely monitor developments in Venezuela to ensure the safety of its citizens."

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“Indonesia also calls on all relevant parties to prioritize peaceful resolution through de-escalation and dialogue, while prioritizing the protection of civilians,” the statement added.

Jakarta also emphasized the importance of respecting international law and the principles of the UN Charter.

Separately, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that “Malaysia opposes all forms of foreign intervention in the internal affairs of other states, as well as the threat or use of force.” Kuala Lumpur is also closely monitoring the situation.

Yet, across the Pacific islands region, there is a more muted reaction.

The governments of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau did not respond to requests for comment. These nations are affiliated with the U.S. under the Compacts of Free Association.

One source close to the Marshallese government, who spoke on condition of anonymity when asked to comment, simply said, "Awful. Just crazy." 

Even New Zealand has been quiet. Its right-wing government seems unwilling to irk Trump ahead of elections later this year, lest Trump lose yet more interest in New Zealand’s bid to join AUKUS.

Many Pacific countries are expected to condemn the U.S. at the UN in a symbolic way, at some uncertain point in the future. However, it is unlikely to stop voting with the U.S. It may seem, on the one hand, that few are willing to invite the wrath of the U.S. President directly.

But that silence may be expected. Venezuela is not an immediate or obvious concern of many Pacific island nations. Yet, from states heavily reliant on the U.S., the silence is not hard to understand.

Sometimes silence speaks louder than words.  

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