SEOUL, South Korea: In a symbolic display of North Korea’s strength and diplomatic ambitions, Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un presided over a grand parade on the occasion of the country’s founding anniversary.
The event, held at the iconic Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, featured a vibrant spectacle of paramilitary groups and showcased North Korea’s determination to forge closer ties with neighbouring giants, China and Russia.
The parade was a meticulously orchestrated affair, complete with rocket launchers cleverly concealed within delivery trucks and tractors transporting troops and weaponry. This carefully choreographed display emphasized the central role of North Korea’s militia as formidable guerrilla fighters, ready to defend their homeland in the event of conflict.
On the diplomatic front, Kim Jong Un engaged in talks with a visiting delegation from China, a crucial ally for North Korea. State media outlet KCNA reported on Saturday that Kim held discussions with the Chinese representatives, highlighting the importance of these bilateral relations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, recognizing the significance of the moment, conveyed his commitment to strengthen strategic communication and promote working-level cooperation between the two nations. This gesture underscored China’s pivotal role in shaping North Korea’s foreign policy.
Not to be left behind, Russian President Vladimir Putin also extended his hand in friendship to Kim Jong Un. In a letter to the North Korean leader, Putin expressed his intent to expand bilateral ties with North Korea, with a focus on enhancing security and stability in the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia. This message emphasized the growing importance of Russia in North Korea’s diplomatic calculus.
Leif-Eric Easley, a respected professor at Ewha University in Seoul, noted, “Growing China-Russia-North Korea cooperation and Xi skipping the G20 Summit in India give the appearance of a widening fissure in Asia’s geopolitical landscape.” Easley’s observation highlights the evolving dynamics in the region, with China and Russia strengthening their ties with North Korea, potentially challenging the existing international order.
Meanwhile, the annual two-day summit of the Group of 20 (G20) countries began in New Delhi, India, where Western powers took centre stage. Notably, Chinese President Xi Jinping opted to skip the event, and Russian President Vladimir Putin was also absent. These absences reflect the shifting priorities and alliances in global politics.
Looking ahead, Kim Jong Un is expected to make a significant diplomatic move by travelling to Russia later this month for talks with President Putin. The agenda for their meeting is expected to include discussions on weapons supplies, with North Korea possibly supporting Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
North Korea has long maintained a formidable military, and it supplements its regular armed forces with various paramilitary, reserve, and security groups, including the Worker-Peasant Red Guards (WPRG), affiliated with the army. This multifaceted approach underscores North Korea’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and maintaining its strategic position on the global stage.
