U.S. approves missile sale to South Korea; North Korea warns of "serious, immediate and powerful response"
Pyongyang called the planned AIM-9X Sidewinder sale a new threat and warned of "a serious, immediate and powerful response" as Washington increases arms transfers to Seoul.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Korea condemned a recent U.S. decision to approve the sale of missiles and military equipment to South Korea, warning it will respond "strongly and immediately."
The U.S. State Department cleared a potential sale of AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air tactical missiles and associated equipment valued at $125 million, a move that Pyongyang described as a fresh threat to its security environment.
Pyongyang's accusations and wider tensions
In its statement, the North Korean foreign ministry accused Washington of continuing a hostile policy and of attempting to destabilize the country by supporting projects to document human-rights conditions and to collect information about North Korea.
The ministry also said that the United States has approved multiple weapons sales to South Korea this year, including maritime and attack helicopters and precision-guided bombs, and warned these steps are particularly worrying amid increased military cooperation between the U.S. and its Asia-Pacific allies.
A Foreign Ministry spokesperson insisted that "We cannot ignore the negative impact of the American arms sales to South Korea on the regional security environment." He added that the country would deliver "a serious, immediate and powerful response" to hostile activities in various areas.
The announcement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has sought renewed contact with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying he is interested in holding another meeting and that Kim had replied to his messages; analysts, however, say Pyongyang has shown little official readiness so far to resume talks.
Photo: Jonathan Ramos
