북한, 한-미 무기거래 반발…“미국 적대적 입장 확인”

North Korea has expressed strong disapproval of South Korea's criticism of the United States' arms sales to Pyongyang, labeling the U.S. approach as "uncompromisingly adversarial." A spokesperson for North Korea's Foreign Ministry, speaking on the matter to a Korean Central News Agency reporter, stated, "The reality is that the United States is demonstrating its eagerness and enthusiasm in expanding its latest confrontation with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea."

The spokesperson went on to say, "We will respond firmly and immediately" to further aggressive actions by the U.S.

However, it appears the spokesperson lowered the tone compared to high-ranking officials like the Foreign Minister and Defense Minister, opting instead for a more diplomatic response. The spokesperson mentioned the U.S. State Department's preliminary approval of a $12.5 million deal for South Korea to purchase AIM-9X side-winder missiles and tactical guidance equipment from the United States.

This comes in the wake of the U.S. State Department's record of human rights violations in North Korea and a procurement announcement the same day.

This development follows President Donald Trump's directive on June 16 to reduce joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea, which prompted North Korea to send a message of dialogue. The spokesperson emphasized that the U.S. is engaged in "unfriendly practices aimed at destabilizing South Korea's social and institutional systems," and warned of the negative impact on regional security as military integration continues between the U.S. and its allies in the Asia-Pacific region.

A senior researcher at the Hong Min Tae Unification Research Institute noted that North Korea is likely to harbor doubts and expectations regarding Trump's message, questioning whether his stance is temporary or part of a deliberate shift towards change.