North Korea vows ‘powerful response’ to US$125 million US-South Korea arms deal

North Korea's foreign ministry expressed strong disapproval of a recent US decision to sell $125 million worth of missiles and related equipment to South Korea, vowing to respond "strongly and immediately" to any hostile actions, according to state media. The comments came as US President Donald Trump showed renewed interest in engaging with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, suggesting a possible upcoming meeting.

Analysts, however, maintain that Pyongyang has shown little interest in resuming diplomatic talks. The North Korean ministry reiterated its perception of the US as an inherently hostile nation toward the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). The ministry specifically criticized the sale of AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and associated equipment as a new threat to the country's security.

Additionally, North Korea condemned a US plan to fund activities aimed at documenting the country's human rights situation and gathering intelligence on North Korea, describing these efforts as part of a campaign to destabilize its social system. The ministry noted that Washington had approved multiple weapon sales to South Korea this year, including advanced air-to-air missiles, naval helicopters, attack helicopters, and precision-guided bombs, which it claimed were contributing to the acceleration of military integration in the Asia-Pacific region.

North Korea emphasized that it was prepared to deliver a "serious, immediate and powerful response" to any hostile acts across various spheres.