North Korea: Pyongyang has condemned the United States’ approval of a potential $125 million sale of AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and related equipment to South Korea, warning that it would respond strongly and immediately to what it described as hostile actions.
The North Korean Foreign Ministry said the US arms sale represented a new threat to its security environment, according to state media KCNA on Thursday. Pyongyang also criticised Washington’s broader efforts to strengthen South Korea’s military capabilities and expand security cooperation with its allies in the Asia-Pacific region.
The warning comes as US President Donald Trump has renewed efforts to engage North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and has expressed interest in another meeting. Trump said earlier this month that Kim had responded to his outreach, although Pyongyang has shown limited public willingness to resume negotiations.
Why is North Korea opposing the US arms sale to South Korea?
A North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Washington’s approval of the missile sale demonstrated what Pyongyang described as the United States’ continued hostile policy toward North Korea.
The approved package involves AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles and associated equipment, with an estimated value of $125 million. North Korea said the weapons would negatively affect the regional security environment.
Pyongyang also accused Washington of approving other weapons sales to South Korea this year, including advanced air-to-air missiles, naval helicopters, attack helicopters and precision-guided bombs.
North Korea said the growing military integration between the US and its allies in the Asia-Pacific region was contributing to heightened security concerns on the Korean Peninsula.
What else has North Korea criticised?
North Korea also objected to a US plan to fund activities documenting its human rights situation and gathering information about the country.
The North Korean Foreign Ministry described those efforts as part of what it called a campaign aimed at destabilising its political and social system.
Pyongyang warned that it would deliver a “serious, immediate and powerful response” to hostile actions across different areas.
The latest statement comes amid a complicated diplomatic picture, with Washington seeking renewed engagement with Pyongyang while North Korea continues to oppose expanded US-South Korean military cooperation and weapons transfers.