Pyongyang, October 11, 2025 (Agencies) – North Korea held a grand military parade in Pyongyang’s central square on Friday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers’ Party, showcasing its latest military advancements and reaffirming its ideological and strategic posture. The event was attended by high-level delegations from Russia, China, and Vietnam, underscoring Pyongyang’s growing diplomatic outreach amid heightened global tensions.
The parade featured an extensive display of modern weapons systems, including military drones, tanks equipped with electronic warfare capabilities, hypersonic ballistic missiles, and other advanced electronic warfare assets. A key highlight was the public debut of the Hwasong-20, described by state media as North Korea’s most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile, allegedly capable of reaching the continental United States.
In his address, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un declared the celebration a reaffirmation of the country’s sovereignty and ideological resilience, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). He praised the armed forces for their role in defending the Workers’ Party and vowed to continue resisting what he termed Western hegemony. Kim also expressed solidarity with “progressive mankind” and sent “warm encouragement” to North Korean troops stationed abroad.
Among the foreign dignitaries present were Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Vietnamese Communist Party chief To Lam, and a Russian delegation led by former President Dmitry Medvedev, who now serves as Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council. Their presence signaled continued strategic alignment and mutual support among the participating nations.
In a striking moment of symbolism, the parade included North Korean soldiers who reportedly fought alongside Russian forces in the Ukraine conflict, specifically in the Kursk Region. Troops marched carrying both North Korean and Russian flags, highlighting what officials described as a “chronicle of friendship” between the two countries.
A day prior to the parade, Kim Jong-un held talks with Medvedev, expressing his desire to deepen North Korea-Russia relations and build a “strong and comprehensive strategic partnership.” Medvedev reciprocated, commending the role of Korean fighters in supporting Russian military operations and emphasizing the enduring nature of bilateral cooperation.
The parade and accompanying diplomatic engagements reflect North Korea’s efforts to project strength, reinforce alliances, and assert its role in shaping regional dynamics amid ongoing geopolitical shifts.