On the evening of March 15, 2024, North Korea showcased new missile technology during a grand military parade in Pyongyang, attended by high-ranking officials from China and Russia. This event marked the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party and served as a platform for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to reinforce alliances against the United States and its allies.
Show of Military Might and Solidarity
The parade featured columns of soldiers marching in unison and a display of advanced nuclear missiles, including the newly revealed Hwasong-20, an intercontinental ballistic missile. Images released by state media highlighted the presence of senior officials such as Li Qiang, China’s Premier; Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chair of the Russian Security Council; and To Lam, chief of Vietnam’s Communist Party. Their attendance symbolized a united front in opposition to Western hegemony.
During his address, Kim emphasized the deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, referencing the participation of North Korean soldiers who had fought alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. South Korean officials estimate that North Korea has sent approximately 15,000 troops to assist Russia, along with substantial arms supplies including artillery shells and missiles.
Strategic Messaging Through Military Parades
Kim’s rhetoric during the parade reinforced his country’s commitment to opposing perceived injustices orchestrated by the West. He stated that North Korea would continue to “fulfil their responsibilities in the joint struggle of the progressive mankind for opposing injustice and hegemony and defending justice and peace.” This statement served as a direct challenge to the influence of the US-led global order.
The military parade demonstrated North Korea’s increasing emphasis on projecting its military capabilities, a strategy that has intensified under Kim’s leadership. In addition to the Hwasong-20, the display included various military drones, modern tanks equipped with electronic warfare technology, and hypersonic ballistic missiles.
Historically, military parades in North Korea have been utilized for domestic propaganda, showcasing advancements in military technology and strength. The frequency and scale of these events have grown under Kim, reflecting his desire to leverage military prowess as a means of asserting power both domestically and internationally.
The significance of the parade extends beyond mere military display; it reinforces the strategic partnerships North Korea is forging with China and Russia, positioning itself as a key player in regional geopolitics. As tensions with the United States and its allies continue to rise, North Korea’s military demonstrations serve both as a warning and a declaration of its intentions on the global stage.
