North Korea has criticised US arms sales and military support for Taiwan, accusing Washington of fuelling tensions in the Taiwan Strait, state media KCNA reported on Wednesday.
A KCNA commentary citing North Korean international affairs analyst Kim Myong Chol said US policy towards Taiwan was undermining peace and stability in the region.
North Korea warns US over Taiwan
The commentary condemned the appearance of US-supplied fighter aircraft in Taiwan, warning Washington to consider the consequences of a possible confrontation with China.
The US ‘should think twice whether it is ready to stand in frontal confrontation with the powerful national power of the People’s Republic of China for the security of Taiwan and whether it can cope with its consequences’, it said.
The first two of 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets ordered by Taiwan in 2019 arrived on the island last week.
Taiwan faces a growing military threat from Beijing, which claims the democratically governed island as part of its territory.
Kim backs Russia in Putin message
Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged continued support for Russia and its war effort in a birthday message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, KCNA reported.
Kim said Pyongyang would continue expanding joint work under the countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership.
He said he was convinced that Russia’s ‘sacred war of justice’ to defend its sovereignty, security interests and territorial integrity would end in victory, according to KCNA.
The message did not explicitly mention Russia’s war in Ukraine.
North Korea and Russia deepen ties
North Korea has sent an estimated 14,000 to 15,000 troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine since 2024, according to Ukrainian and South Korean estimates.
North Korea and Russia have significantly strengthened ties since Putin and Kim signed a mutual defence pact in June 2024.
