North Korea Slams U.S. Arms Deal with South Korea

North Korea condemned the U.S. approval of advanced missile sales to South Korea, claiming it would escalate tensions on the Korean peninsula. The foreign ministry criticized U.S.-South Korea military cooperation and reiterated their stance on defending against perceived aggression and maintaining regional power balance.

North Korea has condemned the United States' decision to approve the sale of advanced air-to-air missiles and related equipment to South Korea, stating the move will heighten tensions on the Korean peninsula, as reported by state media KCNA on Saturday.

A statement from the foreign ministry's director-general for external policy, reported by KCNA, expressed concerns over the strengthening military ties between Washington and Seoul, despite international worries about escalating tensions in the region. The nearly $300 million military deal was highlighted as a significant example of these strengthening ties.

The official accused the U.S. of exporting 'war exports' and emphasized North Korea's commitment to bolstering its defensive measures to maintain balance. Criticism was also directed at South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung for comments made in a joint statement with EU leaders regarding North Korea's nuclear status and ties with Russia, deemed a breach of sovereignty by Pyongyang.