North Korea has publicly denounced the United States for its military support of Taiwan, warning that Washington's actions could lead to a frontal confrontation with China. According to the state news agency KCNA, a commentary by international affairs analyst Kim Myong Chol stated that US policy on Taiwan was undermining peace and stability in the region. The commentary also condemned the appearance of US-sold fighter aircraft in Taiwan.
The US has recently increased its military support for Taiwan, including the delivery of the first two of 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets ordered in 2019. This move has been met with opposition from Beijing, which claims the democratically governed island as its own. China has repeatedly demanded that Washington end arms sales to Taiwan, citing the "One China" principle. The US is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties.
North Korea's criticism of the US is seen as a sign of its growing alignment with China on the Taiwan issue. During a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in June, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to fully support the "One China" principle. The meeting also included a discussion on defence links, with Xi saying both sides would enhance exchanges in diplomacy, law enforcement, military affairs, and other fields.
North Korea has strengthened its ties with China and Russia in recent years, raising security concerns for the US and its allies. The country has sent an estimated 14,000 to 15,000 troops to support Russia in the conflict in Ukraine since 2024. North Korea and Russia have also signed a mutual defence pact, which has significantly increased their cooperation.
Kim Jong Un has also pledged continued support for Russia and its war effort in a birthday message to President Vladimir Putin. Pyongyang would keep up joint work under their comprehensive strategic partnership, Kim said. He expressed his conviction that Russia's efforts to defend its sovereignty, security interests, and territorial integrity would end in victory.
The growing ties between North Korea and Russia have raised concerns in the West. Analysts have noted that North Korea's decision to send soldiers to fight for Russia in Ukraine has shown it is willing to provide material assistance in wartime. However, there is no sign of a comparable commitment to China.
The situation in Taiwan remains a sensitive issue, with China describing it as the "core of core issues" in its ties with other countries. Taiwan's government says Beijing has no right to claim the island or try to represent it on the international stage. The US support for Taiwan is seen as a challenge to China's sovereignty claims, and the situation remains a potential flashpoint for conflict.
Key points
- North Korea criticised the US for its military support of Taiwan, warning of a potential frontal confrontation with China.
- North Korea has pledged continued support for Russia and its war effort, amid strengthened ties between the two countries.
- The situation in Taiwan remains a sensitive issue, with China claiming the island as its own and the US bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.
