North Korea backs Russia, warns US over Taiwan arms

North Korea has criticised US military support for Taiwan while reaffirming its backing for Russia, highlighting Pyongyang’s growing alignment with Moscow and Beijing.

North Korean state media said Pyongyang opposed US arms sales and military support for Taiwan, warning that such moves could increase tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

The criticism came after Taiwan received the first two F-16V fighter jets from a new batch of 66 aircraft ordered from the United States.

Pyongyang accused Washington of undermining regional stability and warned that the US should consider the possible consequences of confronting China over Taiwan.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has previously expressed support for Beijing’s “One China” principle. During a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in June, Kim pledged to maintain his support for the position.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims. Washington maintains no formal diplomatic relations with Taipei but is legally required to provide Taiwan with defensive capabilities.

In a separate message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kim also reaffirmed North Korea’s support for Russia and its strategic partnership with Moscow.

Kim said Pyongyang would continue expanding cooperation with Russia and expressed confidence that Moscow would ultimately prevail in its war effort.

North Korea has deepened military and political ties with Russia since the two countries signed a mutual defence agreement in 2024.

South Korean and Ukrainian estimates indicate that North Korea has also deployed thousands of troops to support Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.