NorthKorea Condemns US Approval of Apache Helicopter Sale to Sou

North Korea Condemns US Approval of Apache Helicopter Sale to South Korea

Seoul, August 23, 2024 – North Korea hascondemned the United States’ approval of the sale of Apache attack helicopters (AH-64E) to South Korea, calling it a reckless provocation that will escalatetensions in the region.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the North Korean Foreign Ministry’s Director of the Department of External Information, Pyongyang accused Washingtonof deliberately aggravating the situation by supplying advanced weaponry to its southern neighbor. The statement claimed that the US justification for the sale, which argues that the helicopters will enhance South Korea’s military capabilities without disrupting the regional balance, is contradictory and disingenuous.

The US persists in providing war equipment to its allies in the region, which will only serve to strengthen the strategic deterrent force of the DPRK [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] in safeguarding its national security interestsand regional peace, the statement asserted. The DPRK will continue to undertake necessary self-defense military activities to control military imbalance and instability.

North Korea also warned of grave consequences if South Korea further strengthens its military capabilities.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on August 19 that the State Department had approved the sale of Apache helicopters and related equipment to South Korea, valued at $3.5 billion. The DSCA described the sale as a significant contribution to the security of the Republic of Korea and the stability of the Korean Peninsula.

The Apache, known as the tank killer, is considered one of the most capable attack helicopters in the world. South Korea’s army acquired 36 Apache helicopters in January 2017.

This latest development comes amidst heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea has conducted numerous missile tests in recent months, including the launch of a long-range ballistic missile in February, which sparked international condemnation. The US and South Korea have responded by increasing joint military exercises and deploying strategic assets to the region.

The sale of Apache helicopters is likely to further exacerbate tensions between the two Koreas and could lead to a new arms race in the region. North Korea’s statement suggests that it views the sale as a direct threat to its security and is prepared to take countermeasures.

The US and South Korea have defended the sale, arguing that it is necessary to deter North Korea’s aggressive actions and maintain stability in the region. However, critics argue that the sale will only escalatetensions and make a peaceful resolution to the Korean conflict more difficult.

The situation on the Korean Peninsula remains volatile and unpredictable. The sale of Apache helicopters is just the latest development in a long-running conflict that has the potential to escalate into a full-blown war.

Background:

The Korean War(1950-1953) ended in a ceasefire, not a peace treaty, leaving the two Koreas technically at war.
North Korea has a history of aggressive actions, including the sinking of a South Korean warship in 2010 and the shelling of Yeonpyeong Islandin 2010.
The US maintains a significant military presence in South Korea, including troops and advanced weaponry.
North Korea has developed nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, posing a significant threat to the region.

Analysis:

The sale of Apache helicopters to South Korea is a significant development thatwill likely have a major impact on the security situation on the Korean Peninsula. It is a clear indication of the US commitment to supporting South Korea’s military capabilities and deterring North Korea’s aggressive actions.

However, the sale is also likely to further escalate tensions between the two Koreas and could lead to anew arms race in the region. North Korea’s reaction suggests that it views the sale as a direct threat to its security and is prepared to take countermeasures.

Conclusion:

The US approval of the sale of Apache helicopters to South Korea is a significant event that will have far-reaching consequences for the Korean Peninsula. The sale is likely to further escalate tensions between the two Koreas and could lead to a new armsrace in the region. It remains to be seen how North Korea will react to the sale, but its previous statements suggest that it views the sale as a direct threat to its security and is prepared to take countermeasures. The situation on the Korean Peninsula remains volatile and unpredictable, and the potential for conflict remains high.

【来源】https://cn.yna.co.kr/view/ACK20240823000900881?section=nk/index&input=rss