In the heart of the imposing Kim Il-sung Square, an enthralling scene unfolded. As thousands of soldiers marched in formation, North Korea’s Chairman Kim, flanked by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chinese Politburo member Li Hongzhong, beamed with a smirk of confidence and saluted.
Celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, also known as Victory Day, were ostensibly to honor the cessation of open hostilities. But for the first time since the dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kim’s decision to invite foreign guests pointed to something more significant.
This elaborate military parade, broadcasted by the state-owned KCTV, showcased more than just North Korea’s military might. Soldiers carrying portraits of North Korean War veterans depicted not only past valor but current determination. With Defense Minister Kang Seon-nam proclaiming the United States had “no chance of survival if it uses nuclear weapons,” the message was blatant. Kang’s chilling prediction that “the question now is not whether a nuclear war will break out on the Korean Peninsula, but who, when, and how it will start” has left the global community on edge.
While North Korea has a history of robustly opposing US troop deployment on the Korean Peninsula, the sheer audacity of this parade, complete with the unveiling of the “Tsunami” – an underwater nuclear attack drone – as well as the newly-tested Hwasong-18 ICBM, signals a grand show of force. These sophisticated weapons, with capabilities that can reportedly stretch hundreds of kilometers, indicate a nation readying itself.
But the real eyebrow-raiser? The presence of Chinese and Russian officials witnessing North Korea’s flaunt of UN-sanctioned weapons. As noted by US-based analyst X, formerly known as Ankit Panda, this sends a crystal-clear message: Chairman Kim enjoys the robust backing of two formidable regional allies, both stalwarts in the UN Security Council. This trilateral alignment hints at the burgeoning “new Cold War” around the Korean Peninsula, as political science professor Yangmo Ku from the University of Norwich emphasized.
While Beijing’s commitment to North Korea, rooted in the trenches of the 1950s Korean War, remains its cornerstone, this public display raises eyebrows. Professor Leip Eric Easley from Ewha Womans University in Seoul pondered aloud, “What is the Chinese government truly enabling by attending such a display?“
Meanwhile, Russia, another historical ally, isn’t just a spectator. Reports have accused Kim Jong-un of bolstering Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with rocket supplies, a claim fervently denied by North Korea. The notable distinction of Russia sending a defense minister to the parade, while China dispatched a civilian, speaks volumes. As Professor Lukin of the Far Eastern Federal University pointed out, Russia seems eager to tighten military ties with North Korea.
But there’s more. The voice of Russian President Vladimir Putin echoed in the square, as his speech was read aloud by Minister Shoigu. Putin’s words confirmed North Korea’s steadfast support for Russia’s controversial military operation against Ukraine.
Now, as the dust settles on this dramatic display, questions linger. The intertwining of these three powerhouse nations hints at a shifting global dynamic. While Kim’s strategy may initially seem merely like posturing, the underlying narrative could have vast repercussions.
In this global game of chess, what’s clear is this: The pieces are moving, alliances are forming, and the board is set for the next big play.
But who makes the next move?
Only time will tell.
