North Korea Criticizes the US over the 'Afghan Situation'

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] North Korea has intensified its criticism of the United States by citing statements from Chinese and Russian officials regarding the Afghanistan situation.

This is interpreted as an indirect expression of dissatisfaction with the U.S. demands for North Korea's human rights improvements in light of the Afghanistan situation.

On the 21st, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted an article titled "China and Russia Severely Criticize the United States for Causing the Afghanistan Situation" on its website, stating, "The international community's voices condemning the United States over the Afghanistan situation are growing louder day by day," and "The United States is the main culprit destroying world peace and stability and is the root cause of escalating tensions."

North Korea cited the positions of the Chinese and Russian governments as examples of international criticism against the U.S.

In the statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized Wang Yi, China's Foreign Minister's remark that "The United States must sincerely reflect on the lesson that resolving issues through coercion and military means only causes more problems."

Following the previous day, it also quoted Hua Chunying, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who sharply stated, "The United States should earnestly reflect on its policy of frequently engaging in wars and military interventions against other countries and stop its interference in internal affairs and acts of peace destruction carried out under the banner of democracy and human rights."

It was reported that Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, strongly criticized the United States, the main party responsible for the current situation, saying, "The confrontation between the Afghan government forces and the Taliban is a consequence of the United States' unconstructive way of thinking."

North Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had introduced the Chinese government's statements on the Afghanistan situation the previous day, raising the issue of "U.S. responsibility."