North Korea Warns US Over Taiwan, Backs Russia Amid Rising Tensions

North Korea has warned the United States against increasing military support for Taiwan, saying Washington should be careful about its actions toward China.

The warning came after the first two of 66 US-made F-16V fighter jets arrived in Taiwan, as the island continues to strengthen its military capabilities amid growing China-US tensions.

At the same time, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed his support for Russia and President Vladimir Putin. In a birthday message to Putin, Kim said North Korea would continue to strengthen ties with Russia.

The two developments highlight Pyongyang's close relations with China and Russia as tensions between the two countries and the United States continue.

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North Korea Warns US Over Taiwan

North Korean state media KCNA published comments from international affairs analyst Kim Myong Chol, who criticised the United States for its military support for Taiwan. He said US actions were adding to tensions in the Taiwan Strait and warned Washington against getting into a confrontation with China.

Taiwan received its first two F-16V fighter jets last week as part of a larger order for 66 aircraft from the United States. Taiwan placed the order in 2019 as it works to modernise its air force and improve its ability to respond to possible military action from China.

North Korea has backed China's position on Taiwan and supports Beijing's "One China" principle. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly opposed US arms sales to Taiwan.

Taiwan, however, rejects Beijing's claims and says its future should be decided by its own people. The United States has no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan but is legally required to help provide the island with defensive equipment.

North Korea has also been strengthening its relationship with China. During a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Pyongyang in June, Kim expressed support for the One China principle. The two sides also discussed closer cooperation in areas including diplomacy and defence.

Kim Reaffirms Support for Russia

Kim's message to Putin also showed how closely North Korea-Russia relations have developed. He said Pyongyang would continue expanding cooperation with Moscow under their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Kim described Russia's efforts to protect its sovereignty and security interests as a "sacred war of justice" and said he was confident that Russia would eventually prevail. His message did not directly mention the Russia-Ukraine war.

North Korea and Russia have developed much closer military ties since Kim and Putin signed a mutual defence agreement in June 2024. Under the agreement, both countries are expected to provide military assistance if either side comes under attack.

North Korea has also been accused of supplying Russia with artillery shells and ballistic missiles for use in the war in Ukraine. Pyongyang has denied some of the accusations, while Russia and North Korea have continued to expand their military cooperation.

Ukraine and South Korea estimate that North Korea has sent between 14,000 and 15,000 troops to support Russia since 2024. Ukraine has also accused Russia of sharing military technology with North Korea, including technology linked to jet-powered drones.

The latest statements come as North Korea-US relations remain tense, alongside continued friction between Pyongyang and South Korea. North Korea's growing ties with Moscow and Beijing are giving it stronger partnerships as it continues to face pressure from Washington and Seoul.

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Its comments on Taiwan and its support for Russia also show that North Korea is taking a clear position alongside China and Russia on major geopolitical issues. The moves could further complicate efforts by the United States and its allies to manage Asia-Pacific security tensions.