Following months of practice to ensure that each step is synchronized, North Korea is gearing up for what is expected to be its biggest military parade on October 10 to celebrate the founding of the ruling Workers Party. Such ostentatious displays of military power are a homage to their leader with goose-stepping drills.
But these parades can also be a sign of provocation, a chance to show military might, including new missiles and other weaponry despite facing economic sanctions.
According to an American think-tank, earlier this week, the satellite images suggested that the main standing point at the Pyongyang’s square is ready, and military troops are continuously practicing for the biggest parade.
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Furthermore, in mid-September, hundreds of thousands of people were seen in the images assembling in the capital’s square, chanting slogans like “100 Battles, 100 Victories” and “Heroic Youth.” However, analysts have argued that Pyongyang has not much to celebrate this year, with an important anniversary falling in the year. North Korea’s Supreme Leader has described it as one of “unprecedently grave trials and difficulties”.
The beleaguered and impoverished nation is currently facing numerous challenges with its weak economy, further deteriorated by the sanctions. However, it took a bad turn in January, when the authorities decided to close its borders with China – Pyongyang’s main trading partner – in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Apart from the economy, parts of the country have been devastated by multiple northern typhoons and flooding. Official counts suggest that it has left thousands of homes damaged. Moreover, experts have raised concerns about potential food insecurity in the coming months. Political experts have stated that as it faces such challenges, they would want to show their defiance and strength, both internationally and locally.
Historically, these occasions have been used to showcase their new strategic weapons, Pyongyang will likely show its weaponry. Aljazeera reported that experts from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) suggested that these could be its new under-water weapon, Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM), at the Sinpo South Shipyard. Meanwhile, other experts have also protested this claim.