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

Seoul, North Korea has rebuked the United States over its military support and arms sales to Taiwan, accusing Washington of escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, according to state media KCNA. Analyst Kim Myong Chol, quoted in a KCNA commentary, stated that the US policy on Taiwan is destabilizing peace and stability in the region, and questions whether the US is prepared to face a direct conflict with China over Taiwan's security.

Earlier this week, the first two of 66 newly ordered F-16V Block 70 fighter jets arrived in Taiwan, intensifying the military threat from Beijing, which claims the island as its own territory. Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed unwavering support for Russia in a birthday message to President Vladimir Putin, as reported by KCNA.

Kim asserted that North Korea would intensify cooperation under their comprehensive strategic partnership, firmly believing that Russia's "sacred war of justice" to protect its sovereignty, security interests, and territorial integrity will prevail, although the message did not explicitly mention Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.

North Korea has reportedly deployed an estimated 14,000 to 15,000 troops to aid Russia's conflict in Ukraine since 2024. Since June 2024, North Korea and Russia have markedly strengthened their ties following the signing of a mutual defense pact by Putin and Kim.