North Korea has criticised the United States over its military support for Taiwan, accusing Washington of fuelling tension in the Taiwan Strait. A commentary by North Korean international affairs analyst Kim Myong Chol, cited by state news agency KCNA, said 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 supplied Taiwan with new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets, with the first two of 66 jets ordered in 2019 delivered last week. This move has raised concerns in Beijing, which claims the democratically governed island as its own. Taipei rejects China's sovereignty assertion. The US is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties.
North Korea has strengthened ties with China and Russia in recent years, raising security concerns for the US and its allies in Asia and the West. During a Pyongyang summit in June, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un told Chinese President Xi Jinping that he would fully support the "One China" principle. This principle, according to Beijing, means that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one country.
The meeting between Kim and Xi also included a cautiously worded reference to defence links, with Xi saying both sides would enhance exchanges in diplomacy, law enforcement, military affairs, and other fields. Analysts have noted that North Korea's decision to send soldiers to fight for Russia in the Ukraine war has shown it is willing to provide material assistance in wartime.
China describes Taiwan as the "core of core issues" in its ties with other countries, demanding no form of official engagement between Taiwanese and foreign leaders. Taiwan's government says Beijing has no right to claim the island or try to represent it on the international stage. China has also repeatedly demanded that Washington end arms sales to Taiwan.
North Korean leader 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 conviction that Russia's efforts to defend its sovereignty, security interests, and territorial integrity would end in victory.
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. North Korea and Russia have strengthened ties sharply since a mutual defence pact signed in June 2024.
Key points
- North Korea criticised US arms sales and military support for Taiwan.
- North Korea pledged continued support for Russia and its war effort.
- North Korea has strengthened ties with China and Russia in recent years.
