North Korea celebrated the 70th anniversary of its founding on Sunday without long-range missiles or nuclear tests - underlining Kim Jong-un's stated aim to denuclearize the Korean peninsula.
North Korea replaced long-range missiles with parade floats as it celebrated the 70th anniversary of the country's founding on Sunday (September 9).
That move underlining Kim Jong-un's stated aim to denuclearize the Korean peninsula, following recent meetings with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and summits with U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
JOSH SMITH, SAYING:
"Of all the events that were going on this weekend to celebrate the 70th anniversary of North Korea's founding, this parade today is likely the one that was most watched by the world. And now negotiators in both South Korea and the United States probably breathed a sigh of relief because North Korea did not, as it has in the past, roll out some of its largest weapons - some of which are capable of striking as far away as the United States. These of course are some the nuclear and ballistic weapons that have led to international sanctions on North Korea. Those however were not seen today. Instead leader Kim Jong un appeared with a senior Chinese official and he rolled out a number of parade floats that touted recent diplomatic and other engagements with South Korea."
So while there was still the familiar sight of goose-stepping soldiers and tank columns there have been no nuclear tests which accompanied the holiday in each of the past two years.
Instead, floats like this one promoting economic development. Despite stalled talks, South Korean officials say Kim wants to denuclearize the Korean peninsula in Trump's first term.
Kim and Moon will meet later this month to discuss "practical measures" towards that goal. (Reuters)
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