North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to further expand his country’s nuclear arsenal before overseeing a large-scale military parade in Pyongyang, an event notable as much for what it did not display as for what it did.
Speaking at the conclusion of the Ninth Workers’ Party Congress, Kim described strengthening North Korea’s nuclear capabilities as the party’s “firm will,” pledging to increase both the number of weapons and the systems used to deliver them. He reiterated ambitions for more advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launch platforms, drones and artificial intelligence integration.
Hours later, approximately 14,000 troops marched through Kim Il Sung Square under floodlights, accompanied by fighter jet flyovers. At Kim’s side was his teenage daughter, widely believed to be named Ju Ae, whose repeated public appearances continue to fuel speculation about a possible future leadership role though no formal title or succession signal was announced.
Despite Kim’s assertive rhetoric, the parade itself lacked the dramatic hardware typically associated with North Korean military spectacles. There were no towering ICBMs, no hypersonic glide vehicles, and no transporter-erector-launchers rumbling past cameras, a striking contrast to previous events showcasing strategic weapons.
The scaled-back display follows a major parade just four months ago marking the ruling party’s 80th anniversary, when state media highlighted what it described as its most powerful ICBM and other advanced systems. Last week, North Korean outlets also aired footage of Kim inspecting, and appearing to operate a 600mm multiple rocket launcher the regime claims is nuclear-capable.
The absence of similar weaponry this time may reflect more than logistical timing. Analysts suggest Pyongyang could be signaling discipline and control while keeping its most provocative capabilities in reserve.
The party congress also brought leadership adjustments. Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, was elevated to director of a key party department, strengthening her formal standing within the inner circle. Several senior posts were reshuffled, promoting younger loyalists while Kim was unanimously reelected general secretary for another five-year term.
The event reinforced the regime’s emphasis on unity, loyalty and centralized authority, themes that dominated state media coverage.
While reiterating nuclear expansion, Kim left the door slightly open to diplomacy with the United States, but only under conditions favorable to Pyongyang. He suggested that prospects for improved relations depend entirely on Washington’s “attitude,” a phrase long used to demand recognition of North Korea’s nuclear status and an end to what it calls hostile US policy.
US President Donald Trump, who is preparing for a visit to China in late March, did not reference North Korea in his recent State of the Union address, a notable omission given the high-profile summit diplomacy during his first term.
North Korea’s leverage has evolved significantly since the earlier Trump-Kim summits, largely due to Kim’s expanding partnership with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The two leaders signed what they called a “comprehensive strategic partnership” agreement in June 2024, including a mutual defense clause. As Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, Pyongyang’s growing alignment with Moscow has reshaped its diplomatic calculus and strengthened its bargaining position on the global stage.
State media has frequently portrayed Kim honoring North Korean troops who supported Russia, framing him as both commander and paternal figure.
Wednesday’s parade, heavy on marching troops and light on missile displays — appears carefully calibrated. Domestically, it projected unity and readiness. Internationally, it delivered a warning without escalating theatrics.
Kim reiterated that any violation of North Korea’s sovereignty would trigger immediate retaliation. The message comes as the US and South Korea prepare to resume joint military exercises next month.
In Pyongyang’s playbook, restraint can be as strategic as spectacle and this time, the absence of missiles may have been the loudest signal of all.
#Kim #Jong #vows #expand #countrys #nuclear #arsenal #outing #daughter
Leave a Reply