North Korea Criticizes U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan

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The official Korean Central News Agency reported on Wednesday that Pyongyang criticized the United States for its arms sales to Taiwan and military support for the island, accusing Washington of fueling tensions in the Taiwan Strait. An article published by the news agency, citing North Korean international affairs analyst Kim Myung-chul, indicated that the U.S. policy towards Taiwan undermines peace and stability in the region.

The article criticized the appearance of fighter jets sold by the United States in Taiwan, stating that Washington "should think carefully about whether it is ready to engage in direct confrontation with the powerful national force of the People's Republic of China for the security of Taiwan, and whether it can bear the consequences of that." Last week, the first two of 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets that Taiwan had ordered in 2019 arrived on the island, at a time when the democratically governed island, which Beijing considers part of its territory, faces an increasing military threat from China. On the other hand, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un pledged to continue supporting Russia and its war efforts, in a congratulatory message to President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of his birthday, according to the North Korean agency. The agency quoted Kim as saying that Pyongyang will continue to expand joint cooperation within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, adding that he is convinced that the "sacred justice war" that Russia is fighting in defense of its sovereignty, security interests, and territorial integrity will end in victory. The message did not explicitly mention the Russian war in Ukraine.

According to Ukrainian and South Korean estimates, North Korea has sent between 14,000 and 15,000 soldiers to support the Russian war in Ukraine since 2024. North Korea and Russia have significantly strengthened their relations since Putin and Kim signed a mutual defense agreement in June 2024.