SEOUL: North Korean state media reported on Friday that a large military parade was staged in Pyongyang to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, celebrated in North Korea as “Victory Day.”
Leader Kim Jong Un was present at the parade, along with visiting delegations from China and Russia, including Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. Notably, the parade showcased nuclear-capable missiles and new attack drones.
The presence of the Chinese and Russian delegations, the first such visitors to North Korea since the COVID-19 pandemic began, marked a contrast from previous years. During this year’s parade, they were seen alongside North Korea’s nuclear missiles, which have been banned by the United Nations Security Council with China’s and Russia’s support. In the past, Beijing and Moscow had taken steps to distance themselves from their neighbor’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development.
Concerns About North Korea’s Military Capabilities
The parade prominently displayed North Korea’s latest intercontinental ballistic missiles, the Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18, as reported by state news agency KCNA. These missiles are believed to have the range to strike targets anywhere in the United States, raising international concerns about North Korea’s military capabilities.
Additionally, the event featured a flyover by new attack and spy drones, demonstrating North Korea’s advancements in drone technology.
The military parade comes amid heightened tensions in the region and serves as a show of force by North Korea, emphasizing its military might. The display of nuclear-capable missiles and advanced drones raises further concerns among the international community about the country’s pursuit of military capabilities.
