North Korean Military Parade: Signs of Kim Jong-un’s Expanding Ambitions
InPyongyang, a grand military parade took place, serving not only as an exhibition of military strength but also as a significant political message to the global community.
This year’s event featured the debut of the latest intercontinental ballistic missile, Hwasong-20, capable of reaching mainland USA, indicating North Korea’s growing military ambitions.
For the first time in many years, modern weapon systems were showcased, aligning North Korea’s arsenal with new combat tactics, informed by experience in the Ukraine conflict and support for Russia.
High-level officials from China, Russia, and Vietnam attended the event, reflecting a strengthening strategic partnership and shifting global power balances.
Kim Jong-un, who has recently re-engaged in public diplomacy, demonstrates confidence and aims to reinforce his country’s role as a key player on the world stage—especially amid ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine and escalating tensions between the US and China.
The debut of the Hwasong-20 missile, capable of reaching the US mainland, underscores Kim’s ambitions to upgrade and expand his nuclear forces.
The parade was not merely a display of military might but also a message to the international community about North Korea’s intention to actively follow global trends and shape a new political dynamic.
Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea, Kim used this platform to strengthen both internal and external ideological positions, emphasizing the importance of bolstering the country’s military and diplomatic standing in today’s world.