North Korea Criticizes U.S. Taiwan Support, Backs Russia

North Korea publicly criticized U.S. military support and arms sales to Taiwan and separately reaffirmed its backing for Russia, with leader Kim Jong Un telling President Vladimir Putin that cooperation between the countries would continue, according to statements carried by North Korean state media on Wednesday, October 7. A commentary attributed to international affairs analyst Kim Myong Chol accused Washington of increasing tensions in the Taiwan Strait and warned of consequences from a confrontation with China over Taiwan. The remarks followed the arrival in Taiwan of the first two F-16V Block 70 fighter jets from a 66-aircraft order placed with the United States in 2019. Kim’s commentary said U.S. policy undermined regional peace and stability and argued that Taiwan’s status was an internal matter for China. Those assertions reflect Pyongyang’s position; Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s claim to the island, while Washington is legally required to provide Taiwan with means to defend itself despite having no formal diplomatic relations with Taipei.