Kim Jong Un showcased the "Hwason-20" missile for the first time at a military parade in Pyongyang. The demonstration of the missile, capable of striking targets in the U.S., was intended to impress high-ranking guests and the international community, DW reports.
North Korea's leadership held a major military parade in Pyongyang on Saturday, October 11, for the first time in two years, showcasing a new intercontinental missile. The state news agency KCNA referred to the missile presented at the event as "Hwason-20," calling it "the most powerful nuclear strategic weapon." North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in his speech, urged the armed forces to become an "invincible" unit capable of "destroying any threats."
The parade took place at Kim Il Sung Square in honor of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea. Among the invited guests were Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam.
In one of the official photographs, they are seen alongside Kim Jong Un. Other photos published by KCNA show the long "Hwason-20" missile passing by visitors holding North Korean flags.
Is the "Hwason-20" a Potential Threat to the U.S.?
The North Korean state news agency claims that the range of the "Hwason-20" missile could allow North Korea to strike targets on U.S. territory. In addition to the "Hwason-20," the North Korean army showcased other advanced weaponry at the parade, including hypersonic missiles.
In his speech, Kim Jong Un spoke of the "heroic fighting spirit" and the "victory" that North Korean troops allegedly achieved "on foreign battlefields in the name of international justice and true peace." The isolated and sanctioned North Korea last held such a large-scale military parade in 2023, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of its founding.
In early September, Kim Jong Un visited Beijing, where he observed the parade of the People's Liberation Army of China alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. During bilateral meetings then and now in Pyongyang, North Korea and China reaffirmed their intention to strengthen exchanges and cooperation.
North Korea's Military Assistance to Russia in the War Against Ukraine
North Korea is providing assistance to Russia in its aggressive war against Ukraine. Initially, North Korea supplied Russia with missiles and artillery ammunition, and later sent thousands of troops. They participated in battles in the Kursk region.
On Friday, Kim Jong Un held talks with Dmitry Medvedev, who stated that "the sacrifices made by North Korean soldiers in battles for Russia" demonstrate the existence of trust in the relations between the two countries. For his part, Kim expressed his hope to further strengthen cooperation with Russia and actively "participate in various exchange programs to achieve common goals."
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