The North Korean regime has staged a massive military parade in Pyongyang to mark the 70th anniversary of the country’s founding. It focused on development work and civilian efforts to build the economy.
To the surprise of the international community, North Korea’s 70th anniversary military parade on Sunday held back the country’s advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) and devoted nearly half of the time to economic development projects.
North Korean troops, artillery and tanks made their way past the communist country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, but the regime restrained from showing off its most advanced missiles, which have been a focal point of international sanctions.
In previous years, North Korean leaders were never shy of boasting their long-range missiles and nuclear achievements, while almost no emphasis was put on the country’s economy and culture.
Analysts say Sunday’s parade underscored Kim’s strategy of putting economic development at the center and convincing the international community that North Korea is willing to make compromises. -DW
