China and Russia Stand with North Korea at Military Parade: A Display of Strategic Solidarity

 

Photo:newsinfo.inquirer.net

Chinese and Russian officials proudly stood alongside North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as they observed the unveiling of the country's latest nuclear-capable missiles and advanced attack drones during a military parade in the capital, as reported by North Korean state media on Friday.

 

The highly anticipated parade in Pyongyang, held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, is celebrated in North Korea as "Victory Day." Notably, the presence of Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu marked the first visit by Moscow's top defense official since the Soviet Union's breakup in 1991. Likewise, the Chinese delegation's attendance was a significant event as it marked the first visit by Chinese officials since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

During the parade, the Chinese and Russian officials were seen side by side with North Korea's nuclear-capable missiles. These missiles, banned by the U.N. Security Council with support from China and Russia, have been a point of contention in previous years, with Beijing and Moscow attempting to distance themselves from North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development.

 

Amidst the march of North Korean troops and the display of military hardware, Kim Jong Un, Sergei Shoigu, and Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Li Hongzhong engaged in conversations, shared laughter, and saluted together. The parade showcased North Korea's latest Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missiles, which are believed to possess the capability to strike any target in the United States. Additionally, the event featured an impressive flyover of new attack and spy drones.

 

Following the parade, Kim hosted a reception and lunch in honor of Sergei Shoigu, expressing unwavering solidarity with the Russian people and military. In turn, Shoigu praised the North Korean military as one of the world's strongest, and both leaders engaged in discussions concerning strategic security and defense cooperation.

 

Notably, Shoigu also read a congratulatory message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who thanked North Korea for its support during a "special military operation" in Ukraine, as reported by the media. The United States has expressed concerns over the alleged provision of weapons by North Korea to Russia during the conflict in Ukraine. In response, State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel emphasized the U.S.'s deep concerns about the ties between North Korea and Russia, particularly in regards to arms transactions.

 

Both North Korea and Russia have denied any involvement in arms transactions, maintaining their stance on the matter.

 

(Note: The rewritten article above aims to maintain the essence of the original piece while presenting it in unique and engaging language. Additionally, the article has been written in English as requested.)

 

 

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