Chinese and Russian officials were present alongside Kim Jong Un during a military parade in Pyongyang, North Korea, where the country showcased its latest nuclear-capable missiles and new attack drones. The parade, held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, was celebrated in North Korea as “Victory Day.”
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu’s visit marked the first time a top Moscow defense official visited North Korea since the Soviet Union’s breakup in 1991. Similarly, the Chinese delegation’s visit was the first by such high-ranking officials from China since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Their presence at the parade, which displayed North Korea’s nuclear missiles (prohibited by the United Nations Security Council with support from China and Russia), signaled a shift from previous years when China and Russia tried to distance themselves from North Korea’s nuclear and missile development programs.
During the event, Kim Jong Un, Sergei Shoigu, and Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Li Hongzhong interacted with North Korean troops, laughing, saluting, and reviewing the military display.
The parade showcased North Korea’s latest intercontinental ballistic missiles, Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18, believed to have the range to strike targets anywhere in the United States. The event also featured a flyover of new attack and spy drones.
Following the parade, Kim hosted a reception and luncheon for Shoigu, expressing solidarity with the Russian people and military. Shoigu, in turn, praised the North Korean military as the world’s strongest, and the two discussed strategic security and defense cooperation.
Shoigu also read a congratulatory speech from Russian President Vladimir Putin, thanking North Korea for its support during a “special military operation” in Ukraine. The United States has accused Pyongyang of providing weapons to Russia for its efforts in Ukraine, raising concerns about ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. Both North Korea and Russia have denied engaging in any arms transactions.