US Approval of Missile Sale to South Korea Draws North Korea's Condemnation Over Escalating Tensions

(CNA, Seoul, 13th – comprehensive foreign report) Following the United States' recent approval of the sale of advanced air-to-air missiles and related equipment to South Korea, North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported today that the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a condemnation, warning that the move will intensify tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

The head of the Foreign Ministry's Department of External Policy stated through KCNA that despite international concerns over the growing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and surrounding regions, military cooperation between Washington and Seoul continues to strengthen as planned.

The official pointed to the U.S. State Department's approval of nearly $300 million in advanced air-to-air missiles and related equipment as the latest example, calling it 'war exports,' and emphasized that Pyongyang will continue to strengthen its self-defense deterrent capabilities to maintain regional power balance.

North Korea frequently criticizes U.S.-South Korea military cooperation as preparation for war.

Recently, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung visited Europe and issued a joint statement with European Union (EU) leaders, describing North Korea's nuclear status and its military cooperation with Russia as 'illegal' actions. KCNA has strongly criticized this statement.

KCNA stated that this is an infringement on North Korea's sovereignty and proves that peaceful coexistence between the two Koreas is impossible, asserting that Pyongyang will continue to regard South Korea as a hostile nation. (Translation: Hung Chi-yuan) 1150613