Key facts
- North Korea accused the U.S. of undermining regional peace and stability with its Taiwan policy.
- North Korea warned the U.S. to "think twice" about confronting China over Taiwan.
- Taiwan received the first of 66 F-16V Block 70 fighter jets last week.
- Kim Jong Un expressed conviction that Russia's "sacred war of justice" would end in victory.
- North Korea has sent an estimated 14,000 to 15,000 troops to support Russia's war effort since 2024.
- North Korea and Russia signed a mutual defense pact in June 2024.
North Korea has criticized the United States over its arms sales and military support for Taiwan, accusing Washington of fueling tensions in the Taiwan Strait. A commentary cited by state media KCNA stated that U.S. policy on Taiwan was undermining regional peace and stability.
The commentary condemned the appearance of U.S.-sold fighter aircraft in Taiwan, warning that the U.S. should "think twice" about confronting China over the island and its potential consequences. Taiwan received the first two of 66 F-16V Block 70 fighter jets ordered in 2019 last week, as it faces a rising military threat from Beijing.
Separately, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged continued support for Russia and its war effort in a birthday message to President Vladimir Putin. Kim stated his conviction that Russia's "sacred war of justice" to defend its sovereignty, security interests, and territorial integrity would end in victory. North Korea has reportedly sent an estimated 14,000 to 15,000 troops to support Russia's war effort since 2024. Ties between North Korea and Russia have strengthened significantly since Putin and Kim signed a mutual defense pact in June 2024.