North Korea Condemns US Approval of Missile Sales to Seoul

SadaNews - The North Korean Foreign Ministry condemned the United States' approval of the sale of advanced air-to-air missiles and related equipment to South Korea, warning that this step will exacerbate tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

The director-general of foreign policy at the ministry stated in a press release carried by the Korean Central News Agency that military cooperation between Washington and Seoul is being "systematically enhanced" despite what he described as international concern over rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula and its surroundings.

The official pointed to the US State Department's approval of the sale of advanced air-to-air missiles and related equipment to South Korea for nearly $300 million as the latest example of this.

He added, "US arms exports are warfare exports," noting that North Korea will continue to strengthen its deterrent power for self-defense to maintain the balance of power in the region.