Written by Prakriti Panwar, a grade 11 student.

On 10th October 2020, North Korea commemorated the 75th anniversary of the workers’ party (founding and ruling party of North Korea) by displaying a grand parade.

North Korea, a strict dictatorship (a form of government characterized by the absolute authority by a single leader) in East Asia, did the unusual by displaying ‘previously unseen’ ballistic missiles. This was peculiar because the dictatorship had not featured missiles in its parade since 2018.

No foreign media was allowed to attend the event and hence, not much is known about the parade. People are relying on state-media footage which is edited and controlled by the authorities.

In the video released, all those participating were not seen wearing masks;  Kim Jong Un earlier mentioned that he was grateful that no North Koreans have tested positive. AFP news agency also reported that as compared to last year, fewer people were involved.

During his speech, Kim Jong Un,  the supreme leader of the dictatorship, mentioned that North Korea will continue to strengthen its military for “self- defence and deterrence.” He also thanked the troops for responding to natural disasters and preventing the outbreak of the virus.

However, the ceremony has raised concern among many analysts since they believe they spotted new assault weapons, new air defence systems, and armoured vehicles during the parade. The Pukguksong 4A (a submarine-launched missile) was displaced first,  followed by an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) the exact name of which is not known.

According to analysts, the display of the ICBM is to deliver the message that North Korea is “building up its nuclear capabilities.” However, analysts cannot determine what stand the dictatorship takes on peace and diplomacy, based solely on this information.