North Korea backs Russia’s war effort while warning the US that Taiwan support risks confrontation with powerful China.
North Korea has criticised the United States over its arms sales and military support for Taiwan, accusing Washington of fuelling tensions in the Taiwan Strait, state news agency KCNA reported on Wednesday.
A KCNA commentary citing North Korean international affairs analyst Kim Myong Chol said US policy towards Taiwan was undermining peace and stability in the region.
It also condemned the appearance of US supplied fighter aircraft in Taiwan.
The commentary said the US “should think twice whether it is ready to stand in frontal confrontation with the powerful national power of the People’s Republic of China for the security of Taiwan and whether it can cope with its consequences”.
The remarks followed Taiwan’s receipt last week of the first two of 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets ordered in 2019, as military tensions between Taipei and Beijing continue.
North Korea’s comments signal closer alignment with China on Taiwan, one of Beijing’s most sensitive foreign policy issues.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claim.
Pyongyang has strengthened ties with both China and Russia in recent years, drawing increased attention from the US and its allies in Asia and the West.
Kim Pledges Support For Russia
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un also pledged continued support for Russia and its war effort in a birthday message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, KCNA reported separately.
Kim said Pyongyang would maintain joint work with Moscow under their comprehensive strategic partnership.
He said he was convinced that Russia’s “sacred war of justice” to defend its sovereignty, security interests and territorial integrity would end in victory.
The message did not explicitly mention Russia’s war in Ukraine.
North Korea has sent an estimated 14,000 to 15,000 troops to support Russia in the conflict since 2024, according to Ukrainian and South Korean estimates.
The two countries have strengthened military and strategic ties since signing a mutual defence pact in June 2024.
Kim had also told Chinese President Xi Jinping during a summit in Pyongyang in June that North Korea would fully support the “One China” principle.
Beijing considers the principle to mean that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one country, regardless of changes in the international situation.
China’s Foreign Ministry said Xi and Kim also discussed strengthening exchanges in diplomacy, law enforcement, military affairs and other areas.
China, a treaty ally of North Korea, has repeatedly called on Washington to end arms sales to Taiwan.
The US, despite having no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, is bound by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself.
China describes Taiwan as the “core of core issues” in its relations with other countries and opposes official engagement between Taiwanese and foreign leaders.
Taiwan’s government maintains that Beijing has no right to claim the island or represent it internationally.
