In a display of military prowess, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un showcased the country’s latest weapons to Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu during a visit on Wednesday.
The Russian delegation, along with Chinese officials, were invited to join in the celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, which typically involves massive military parades.
Kim Jong Un Unveils Advanced Weapons to Russian Defense Minister
Among the weapons exhibited was the Hwasong intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), successfully tested in April.
Notably, it is North Korea’s first ICBM to use solid propellants, enabling quicker launches compared to liquid-fueled ones.
Additionally, two new drone designs were on show, with one bearing resemblance to the primary offensive strike drone utilized by the US Air Force, according to NK News, a specialized North Korea-focused website.
The visit of Mr. Shoigu and the Chinese delegation came amid accusations that North Korea is supplying Russia with arms for use in the ongoing war in Ukraine—a claim denied by both Pyongyang and Moscow.
During their visit, discussions were held on “matters of mutual concern” in the fields of national defense and international security environment, as reported by North Korea’s KCNA news agency.
The visit coincides with North Korea’s Victory Day celebrations, which commemorates the end of hostilities in 1953.
Despite this milestone, the Korean Peninsula remains technically at war since no peace agreement was reached when the conflict ended.
Both Russia and China have long been allies of North Korea, and their presence at the parade marks the first time Kim Jong Un has welcomed foreign guests since the Covid pandemic began.
In 2018, the last time Pyongyang invited foreign government delegates for a military parade, the world witnessed a similar display of military might.
Mr. Kim held a “friendly talk” with Mr. Shoigu, who presented him with an autographed letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
KCNA reported that Kim later lauded North Korea’s military as “the most powerful” in the world.
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Diplomatic Gestures at Victory Day Parade
The Chinese delegation, led by politburo member Li Hongzhong, also delivered a personal letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Kim Jong Un.
During their meeting, Kim expressed gratitude for the support of the Chinese People’s Volunteers in achieving the war victory.
Notably, the inclusion of Chinese and Russian envoys in this year’s Victory Day parade may hint at a possible loosening of COVID-19 restrictions, as some analysts have observed North Koreans appearing without masks in state media images.
Previously, North Korea had isolated itself from all trade and diplomatic ties, even with its primary economic and political partners, Russia and China.
Read more: North Korea’s First Post-Pandemic Visits China And Russia Welcomed With Military Display
