Kim Jong Un showed a new long‑range intercontinental ballistic missile during a military parade in Pyongyang on Friday. The missile, called Hwasong‑20, has never been tested, but North Korea’s state news agency, KCNA, called it the “most powerful nuclear strategic weapons system on Earth.”
The parade also featured shorter‑range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and supersonic weapons. It marked the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, the ruling party that led North Korea since 1945.
In his speech, Kim told the crowd that the army must keep evolving into an “invincible force” that can neutralize any threat. Foreign leaders joined the gathering, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam.
Kim met Medvedev in a private briefing. Medvedev praised the bravery of North Korean troops who are said to have fought alongside Russia in Ukraine. Kim said he wants to strengthen ties with Russia and work together toward shared goals.
The headline event was the Hwasong‑20 show‑case. Kim explained that the new missile can launch nuclear warheads deep into enemy territory. Analysts say it could extend North Korea’s deterrent reach far beyond its current arsenal.
The parade, held on the front lawn of the Great Hall of the People, saw thousands of North Koreans fill the stands and hundreds of missiles lined up like artillery. Images from the event show the high‑tech rocket launchers gleaming under bright lights.
Last summer, Kim Yo Jong, Kim’s sister and a top diplomat, warned Washington that any attempt to restart denuclearization talks would be “a mockery.” She said North Korea had “no tolerance for pressure that ignores the changed reality.” The comment reflected ongoing tensions with the United States over North Korea’s nuclear program.
The event illustrated North Korea’s continued push for a powerful missile force and its desire to deepen strategic alliances, especially with Russia and China. As the world watches, the Hwasong‑20 and other new systems underscore the country’s determination to expand its warfare capabilities while signaling its willingness to grow closer to its long‑time partners.
Source: New York Post
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