North Korea celebrated the 75th anniversary of its founding with a midnight parade in Pyongyang's Kim Il Sung Square, attended by leader Kim Jong Un, a visiting Chinese delegation led by Liu Guozhong, and Russian diplomats, Al Jazeera reported.
The parade primarily showcased paramilitary forces from Pyongyang, distinct from the regular army, and did not display the country's formidable domestically produced weaponry like intercontinental ballistic missiles. Instead, it featured uniformed paramilitary brigades, some riding tractors or in large red trucks. Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his young daughter, was in attendance, seen smiling and clapping. Notably, Kim did not deliver a speech during the event.
The parade was predominantly led by the Worker-Peasant Red Guards, a civil defense organization with approximately 5.7 mn members. These paramilitary forces played a central role in the procession, symbolizing the importance of civil defense in North Korea.
Chinese Delegation: Kim Jong Un held discussions with a Chinese delegation led by Liu Guozhong, vice-premier of the State Council. This marked the second visit by high-ranking Chinese officials to North Korea within six weeks, emphasizing the strengthening ties between the two countries. During their meeting, they discussed "further intensifying the multi-faceted coordination and cooperation" between North Korea and China.
Russian Involvement: Russian diplomats attended the anniversary parade, indicating Russia's continued interest in North Korean affairs. Additionally, a Russian military song-and-dance ensemble was present to commemorate the occasion. Ahead of the parade, Kim met with the Russian diplomats and exchanged views on enhancing bilateral ties.
Russian President's Message: Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to Kim Jong Un on the occasion of the anniversary. In the message, Putin called for an expansion of bilateral ties "in all respects," suggesting a desire for closer relations between Russia and North Korea.
North Korea-Russia Relations: There are indications that North Korea may be willing to supply arms to Russia to support its military operations, particularly its invasion of Ukraine. Kim Jong Un had previously invited Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Li Hongzhong to a military parade in July, during which North Korea showcased its most powerful weaponry.
Russian Embassy Expansion: Moscow increased its official presence in North Korea shortly before the parade. The Russian embassy in Pyongyang announced that it had been allowed to bring in 20 diplomatic and technical staff, marking the first personnel rotation since 2019. This expansion suggests an intention to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Upcoming Kim-Putin Meeting: Kim Jong Un is expected to visit Russia later this month for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The primary agenda of the meeting is speculated to revolve around discussions on potential arms supplies from North Korea to Russia to support its actions in Ukraine.
Chinese state media reported that President Xi Jinping extended his congratulations to Kim Jong Un on the anniversary.
The 75th anniversary parade in North Korea, attended by Chinese and Russian officials, reflects ongoing diplomatic engagements in the region.
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