U.S. approval of Apache helicopter sale to South Korea sparks outrage

We are firmly opposed to and do not accept the increasing armament by the USA. It is a reckless, provocative act, the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned on Friday the approval by the United States of a potential sale of Apache attack helicopters to South Korea.

The U.S. Department of State approved the sale of 36 AH-64E Apache helicopters to South Korea on Monday. The deal also includes logistical support, ammunition, and spare parts, and the total cost is approximately $3.5 billion.

We strongly oppose and reject the US and its vassal forces' arms buildup, it was written in a statement by the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs quoted by the official news agency of Pyongyang, KCNA.

"This is a reckless provocative act of deliberately increasing the security instability in the region," it added.

The dispatch noted that the U.S. decision coincides with rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula due to ongoing joint military exercises, Ulchi Freedom Shield, by the South and the United States, which will continue until 29 August.

The United States is becoming increasingly active in selling weapons to Japan, South Korea, and other allies in the Asia-Pacific region, and this poses a challenge to security in the region, reported KCNA.

The authorities in Pyongyang also assessed that the U.S. arms sales to countries in the Pacific region would force "further strengthening of strategic deterrence" by North Korea.

"The prevailing situation urgently calls for thoroughly ensuring the military balance in the region by increasing the defence capabilities in every way in direct proportion to security challenges and threats that may result from the US arms sales," it was written in the statement.

Washington is a key ally of Seoul in security matters. About 28,500 U.S. soldiers are stationed in South Korea.