ISLAMABAD: North Korean state media displayed images of Chinese and Russian officials standing side by side with Kim Jong Un as they inspected North Korea’s latest nuclear-capable missiles and new attack drones during a military parade in Pyongyang.
Last night, the highly anticipated parade in the capital commemorated the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, known in North Korea as “Victory Day.“
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visited North Korea, marking the first time Moscow’s top defence official visited since the Soviet Union’s break-up in 1991. Similarly, it was China’s first delegation to visit North Korea since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the event, both Russia and China were seen alongside North Korea’s nuclear missiles, which are prohibited by the United Nations Security Council with Chinese and Russian support. This was in contrast to previous years when both countries aimed to distance themselves from North Korea’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development.
Kim Jong-un, Sergei Shoigu, and Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Li Hongzhong were seen interacting, laughing, and saluting as North Korean troops marched and weapons were displayed. Photos released by North Korean state media showed these moments.
The parade showcased North Korea’s latest intercontinental ballistic missiles, the Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18, believed to have the capability to strike targets anywhere in the United States.
In addition to the missiles, the event also included a flyover featuring new attack and spy drones, as reported.
Strong Ties and Allegations: North Korea’s Relations with Russia and the U.S
During a reception and luncheon, Kim Jong-un expressed solidarity with the Russian people and military, hosting Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. Shoigu, in turn, praised North Korea’s military as the strongest in the world. The two leaders discussed strategic security and defense cooperation, as reported by KCNA.
At another meeting, Shoigu read a congratulatory speech from Russian President Vladimir Putin, where Putin thanked North Korea for its support during a “special military operation” in Ukraine, as stated by state media.
The United States has accused Pyongyang of providing weapons to Russia for its war effort in Ukraine. The U.S. State Department’s deputy spokesperson, Vedant Patel, expressed deep concern about the ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Both Pyongyang and Moscow have denied conducting any arms transactions, according to reports.
