North Korea Condemns US Support for Taiwan, Reaffirms Support for Russia

North Korea has criticized U.S. military support for Taiwan, accusing Washington of adding to tensions in the Taiwan Strait. The comments came after Taiwan received the first two of 66 U.S.-made F-16V Block 70 fighter jets ordered in 2019. The roughly $8 billion deal aims to strengthen Taiwan’s defenses. Pyongyang has opposed the U.S. arms sales and has warned that Washington should consider the consequences of a possible confrontation with China over Taiwan.

At the same time, leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed North Korea’s support for Russia and its strategic partnership with Moscow. The two positions highlight Pyongyang’s closer alignment with China on Taiwan and its deepening ties with Russia.

North Korea’s Growing Alignment With China on Taiwan

North Korea’s latest criticism of the United States highlights its growing alignment with China on Taiwan. Pyongyang has also strengthened ties with China and Russia, raising security concerns for the United States and its allies. In June, Kim Jong Un met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Pyongyang and expressed full support for the “One China” principle. China’s Foreign Ministry said the two sides had also discussed expanding cooperation in diplomacy, law enforcement and military affairs.

China calls Taiwan the “core of core issues” in its foreign relations and opposes official contact between Taiwanese and foreign leaders. Taiwan, however, says Beijing has no right to claim the island or represent it internationally. Against this backdrop, North Korea has criticized U.S. arms sales and military support for Taiwan. International affairs analyst Kim Myong Chol said the U.S. Taiwan policy was undermining regional peace and stability. North Korea has also warned Washington to consider the consequences of any confrontation with China over Taiwan, further underscoring its alignment with Beijing.

Kim Jong Un Pledges Continued Support for Russia’s War Effort

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed his support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s war effort. Kim said Pyongyang would continue working with Moscow under their comprehensive strategic partnership. He also expressed confidence that Russia would achieve victory. Kim described Russia’s efforts to protect its sovereignty, security interests, and territorial integrity as a “sacred war of justice.” However, he did not directly mention Russia’s war in Ukraine, even as North Korea has continued to deepen its military ties with Moscow.

North Korea and Russia have strengthened their military relationship since signing a mutual defense agreement in June 2024. According to Ukrainian and South Korean estimates, North Korea has sent about 14,000 to 15,000 troops to support Russia since 2024. In addition, Ukraine has said Russia may have shared advanced military technology with North Korea in return for its wartime support. The latest message highlights the growing Russia-North Korea strategic partnership, while Pyongyang has also expanded its ties with China.

Web Resources On North Korea Backs Russia, Opposes US Taiwan Support

1. Reuters : North Korea criticises US support for Taiwan, pledges backing for Russia.
2. Japan Times : North Korea warns U.S. over Taiwan while Kim pledges support for Russia.
3. Modern Diplomacy : Why Is North Korea Taking a Stronger Line on Taiwan and Russia?
4. AcademicBlock : Taiwan Receives First New F-16V Fighter Jets as China Threat Grows.