Key facts
- North Korea's foreign ministry condemned the U.S. approval of a nearly $300 million sale of advanced air-to-air missiles and related equipment to South Korea.
- The ministry stated that U.S. arms exports are 'war exports'.
- North Korea vowed to enhance its self-defense capabilities to uphold regional power balance.
- The condemnation comes amid heightened tensions and increased U.S.-South Korea military cooperation.
North Korea's foreign ministry has issued a strong condemnation of the United States' decision to approve the sale of advanced air-to-air missiles and related equipment to South Korea. State media outlet KCNA reported that Pyongyang views this move as a threat that will exacerbate tensions on the Korean peninsula.
A director-general for external policy within the ministry stated that military cooperation between Washington and Seoul is being systematically strengthened, despite international concerns over rising tensions. The official specifically cited the U.S. State Department's approval of the nearly $300 million foreign military sale as the latest example.