North Korea’s capital Pyongyang has celebrated what it calls “Victory Day” with an extravagant military display.
Russian and Chinese officials attended the event, which exhibited the country’s banned ballistic missiles and new attack drones – including Moscow’s defense minister, who is visiting the country for the first time since 1991.
State TV showed leader Kim Jong Un at the center of proceedings – which marked 70 years since the end of the Korean war.
The appearance of Russian and Chinese officials at events with the North’s nuclear missiles marked a contrast with previous years, when Beijing and Moscow sought to distance themselves from their neighbor’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development.
North Korean nukes are also banned by the United Nations Security Council – with Chinese and Russian support.
But this week they appeared to show solidarity as the countries seemingly united over their rivalry with the U.S.
Defense analyst Shin Seung-Ki said the particular weapons on display sent a strong message.
“North Korea showed Hwasong-18 at the military parade in order to emphasize once more to the United States that (Hwasong-18) is their solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which is successful in test fires.”
State media later reported that Kim had been read a congratulatory speech from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin apparently thanked North Korea for its support during what he called the “special military operation” in Ukraine.
However, both countries have denied Washington’s accusation that Pyongyang has provided weapons to Russia for the war in Ukraine.
In a speech at the parade, North Korea’s defense minister accused the U.S. and its allies of increasing tensions in the region.
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