North Korea warns US over Taiwan while Kim pledges support for Russia

On October 7, North Korea criticized the United States for its arms sales and military support to Taiwan, accusing Washington of escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, according to state media KCNA. Kim Myong Chol, a North Korean international affairs analyst quoted in a KCNA commentary, condemned the presence of US fighter aircraft in Taiwan, stating that the US should reconsider its readiness to engage in direct combat with China for Taiwan's security.

The first two of a batch of 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets ordered by the US in 2019 had arrived in Taiwan by the week, amid rising military threats from Beijing, which claims the democratically governed island as its own.

In a separate development, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed his commitment to supporting Russia and its war efforts in a birthday message to President Vladimir Putin, as reported by KCNA. Kim stated that North Korea would continue to expand joint work under the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, expressing confidence that Russia's "sacred war of justice" to defend its sovereignty, security interests, and territorial integrity would ultimately lead to victory.

The message did not explicitly mention Russia's war in Ukraine. Since 2024, North Korea has reportedly sent between 14,000 to 15,000 troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine, according to Ukrainian and South Korean estimates. Since then, North Korea and Russia have significantly strengthened their ties following the signing of a mutual defense pact in June 2024.