Japanese political leaders worry that the US attack on Venezuela may encourage "changing the status quo by force"

On the early morning of January 3 local time, the United States launched an attack on multiple locations in the capital of Venezuela, Caracas, and detained Venezuelan President Maduro, among others. In response, high-ranking officials from both the ruling party and the opposition in Japan have criticized this, worrying about encouraging "changing the status quo by force," while Prime Minister Takahashi Hayato avoided criticizing the United States.

On the 4th, the chairman of the Security Council of the Liberal Democratic Party, Koide Goshu, told reporters that he was concerned: "This could be seen as 'changing the status quo by force.' It is worrying whether it will affect the situation around Japan."

He said: "I am worried that this military action by the United States might send out a dangerous message." Regarding Asia, we have repeatedly emphasized that "the status quo should not be changed by force." I am worried whether this will affect the situation around Japan's region."

On January 4, the leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party, Noda Yoshihiko, said in Ise City, Mie Prefecture: "Its legitimacy is extremely questionable, and we must express regret."

The leader of the People's Democratic Party, Tamaki Yuichiro, posted on X on January 4: "The norm of 'not allowing changing the status quo by force' that has been maintained for 80 years after the war is beginning to collapse. Great powers with the will and capability to change the status quo are starting new attempts to reshape the status quo. This may also be equivalent to tacitly approving similar actions by China and Russia in the 'Eastern Hemisphere'. The country must have the will and capability to 'protect itself.'

Tamaki spoke at a press conference in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, and pointed out: "Countries with the ability and will to change the status quo have crossed the long-standing post-war order of 'not allowing changing the status quo by force,' and have begun to shape a new status quo. We have entered such an era."

In addition, Tamaki stated: "Relying solely on the principle of 'not allowing changing the status quo by force' that has been maintained for 80 years after the war is no longer sufficient to manage the current situation. We must make serious judgments on this." He emphasized: "In our country, the need for 'self-protection' has become increasingly strong."

The chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, Shigeki Kazuo, stated on X: "If Prime Minister Takahashi does not protest this illegal act, it would mean she has handed over her right to advocate 'rule of law' herself." He argued that the prime minister should not avoid criticism of this issue.

On the 4th, Prime Minister Takahashi updated her X, expressing her views for the first time on the large-scale military attack by the US on Venezuela, as well as the detention of President Maduro by former President Trump, who had always regarded him as an "adversary." She said: "Given the events in Venezuela, the Japanese government, under my instructions, has prioritized ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals in Venezuela, while maintaining close cooperation with relevant countries and actively responding."

Regarding the situation in Venezuela, the Japanese government had previously also called for, emphasizing the importance of quickly restoring Venezuela's democratic system.

We have consistently respected basic values and principles such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.

The Japanese government will continue to work closely with relevant countries, including the G7 and regional nations, based on this consistent position, and will continue to spare no effort in ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals in Venezuela and promoting diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring Venezuela's democracy and achieving stability in the situation.

Related individuals from various countries have pointed out that this military attack may violate international law, but Prime Minister Takahashi did not directly comment on the military attack itself.

Source: rfi

US troops capture the president of Venezuela

Original: toutiao.com/article/1853466406215680/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.