Pyongyang has criticised US military support for Taiwan while reaffirming its strategic partnership with Russia and support for Beijing’s One China principle.

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

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

The criticism followed Taiwan’s receipt of 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 United States 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 Beijing’s position.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims. The United States does not maintain 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 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 significantly deepened its military and political ties with Russia since the two countries signed a mutual defense 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.