Post by : Rameen Ariff

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held a grand parade on Friday to mark the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, using the event to demonstrate both his country’s growing military capabilities and increasing diplomatic influence. The parade came just a month after Kim joined Chinese President Xi Jinping at a major military event in Beijing, signaling North Korea’s rising confidence on the global stage.

During the parade, Kim highlighted the achievements of North Korea’s armed forces, saying their victories abroad “demonstrate the ideological and spiritual perfection of our military,” according to state media KCNA. The event featured not only soldiers and missiles but also a high-profile group of international guests. China’s Premier Li Qiang attended, marking the highest-level Chinese visit since 2019. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev led a delegation from Moscow, while Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam became the first top Vietnamese leader in nearly 20 years to visit Pyongyang. Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith also attended.

These visits reflect the shifting balance of global power. With Russia’s war in Ukraine continuing and tensions between China and the US rising, Kim is finding new opportunities to emerge from isolation and strengthen ties with nations challenging the Western-led order. At the parade, Kim met with Li Qiang, thanking Xi Jinping for sending a high-level delegation and calling it proof of China’s “invariable support.” Both countries agreed to expand talks, strategic communication, and cooperation across several sectors.

The parade also served as a showcase of North Korea’s military advancements. Notably, the event featured the debut of the Hwasong-20, a new intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the US mainland, highlighting Kim’s goal of modernizing and expanding the country’s nuclear deterrent. Many of the weapons on display were similar to those used by Russia in Ukraine, reflecting deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Kim’s troops have reportedly gained combat experience in Ukraine, potentially improving North Korea’s own battlefield tactics and military capabilities. The presence of foreign dignitaries underscored the country’s growing international visibility. Since taking power in 2011, Kim has shown a more active diplomatic approach than his father and grandfather, participating in international summits and bilateral meetings with world leaders.

In September, Kim expressed openness to meeting former US President Donald Trump again if Washington drops its denuclearization demands. Trump, who is expected to visit South Korea later this month for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, has previously described his relationship with Kim as “very good,” though no concrete plans for a meeting have been announced.

Overall, the parade highlighted North Korea’s ambitions to project strength, expand diplomatic ties, and demonstrate that the country is no longer isolated, with Kim positioning himself as a confident and influential leader on the global stage.

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