North Korea's Upcoming Military Parade to Showcase Latest Weapons
North Korea is preparing for a major military parade this week, marking the 80th anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea. The event is expected to showcase the country's latest military hardware, including potentially advanced weapons systems. High-level delegations from China and Russia, led by Premier Li Qiang and former President Dmitry Medvedev respectively, will attend the celebrations.
Kim Jong Un, North Korea's leader, has warned that the country could target US bases in South Korea in response to the US's expanded military assets in the region. The upcoming parade is seen as an opportunity for North Korea to display its military might and potentially threaten the United States. Kim Jong Un recently visited China for a military parade, strengthening ties with China and Russia, and boosting his missile and nuclear weapons program.
In recent weeks, Kim Jong Un has overseen tests of new high-thrust solid-fueled rocket engines and attended a weapons exhibition featuring advanced systems. North Korea's weapons program has significantly advanced in recent years, including the development of a secret missile base near its northern border with China. The military parade is expected to highlight these advancements, potentially including the Hwasong-20 ICBM and Hwasong-11 Ma hypersonic glide vehicle.
Kim Jong Un has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States, provided that the US stops insisting on North Korea giving up its nuclear weapons. Former US President Donald Trump has signaled his willingness to meet with Kim Jong Un during the upcoming APEC summit in South Korea. The upcoming military parade and the potential display of advanced weapons systems serve as a reminder of North Korea's military capabilities and its willingness to engage in dialogue on its own terms.
