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

SEOUL: North Korea expressed concern over US arms sales and military support directed towards Taiwan, alleging that Washington's actions are exacerbating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, according to state media KCNA. Analyst Kim Myong Chol, in a commentary, criticized the United States for undermining peace and stability in the region by deploying fighter aircraft in Taiwan, questioning whether the US is prepared to engage in a direct confrontation with China over Taiwan's security.

The arrival of the first batch of 66 F-16V Block 70 fighter jets, ordered in 2019, in Taiwan last week has heightened concerns amidst Beijing's growing military assertiveness. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un, North Korea's leader, pledged unwavering support for Russia and its war efforts in a birthday message to President Vladimir Putin, stating that Pyongyang will intensify joint activities under their strategic partnership.

Kim expressed confidence that Russia's "sacred war of justice" to safeguard its sovereignty, security interests, and territorial integrity would culminate in victory, though the message did not specifically reference Russia's conflict in Ukraine. Since 2024, North Korea has reportedly provided an estimated 14,000 to 15,000 troops to aid Russia's war in Ukraine, based on estimates from Ukraine and South Korea.

The strengthening of ties between North Korea and Russia followed the signing of a mutual defense pact by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in June 2024.