These countries fear the consequences of criticising the US, particularly given Trump\u2019s willingness to use the tariff threat in trade talks.<\/b>
\nThe mild responses by America\u2019s Asian allies in response to the US military strike on Venezuela stem from a desire not to \u201cbite the hand that feeds\u201d them, analysts have said, noting that some countries were buying time by claiming to monitor the situation.
Following the raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday to face narcoterrorism charges on US soil, President Donald Trump declared on Sunday that Washington was \u201cin charge\u201d of the South American nation, including its oil reserves.
Threatening further military action, Trump also warned acting Venezuelan president Delcy Rodr\u00edguez that she would face a fate \u201cprobably worse than Maduro\u201d if she failed to cooperate.
Japan\u2019s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Sunday avoided criticism of Trump\u2019s military strikes on Venezuela, pointing out that Tokyo had consistently respected fundamental values and principles such as freedom, democracy and the rule of law.
Urging a de-escalation of tensions, South Korea\u2019s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday called for calm and restoration of democracy, adding that Seoul was closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela.
Australia on Sunday called on \u201call relevant parties\u201d to support dialogue and diplomacy following the strike, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stating that the government was \u201cmonitoring developments\u201d in Venezuela.
New Zealand\u2019s Foreign Minister Winston Peters issued a brief statement on social media, calling all parties \u201cto act in accordance with international law\u201d.<\/p>\n