The tensions in the Korean peninsula surround North Korea and its nuclear program. Pyongyang recently touted the nation’s “invincible power” ahead of its military holiday amidst reports of continued weapons tests.
Reuters reports that over the weekend, North Korea’s state media touted the nation’s military achievements as it prepares to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People’s Revolutionary Army Monday this week. The state outlet described the nation’s arsenal as having gained an “invincible power that the world cannot ignore, and no one can touch” under leader Kim Jong-un.
International monitors are anticipating that North Korea will stage a major military parade and possibly conduct weapons tests in celebration of the holiday.
The report by KCNA listed the history of North Korea’s military achievements, citing the battle against the US during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, the smaller clashes during the Cold War, and the 2010 bombardment of Yeonpyeong Island in South Korea that hit military and civilian targets.
North Korea’s military has both offensive and defensive capabilities that can match any “modern warfare,” according to state media outlet KCNA’s report. The report also praised Kim for his “genius military ideology and outstanding military command and unparalleled courage and guts,” as well as his leadership.
The anticipated military parade may include around 20,000 troops and tout North Korea’s weapons, including the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile, a hypersonic missile, and missiles launched from submarines, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news outlet.
South Korea has since expressed concerns regarding the continued weapons tests by Pyongyang. Last week, South Korea’s incoming president, Yoon Suk-yeol, met the US envoy for North Korea Sung Kim as both sides seek to coordinate their policy regarding North Korea under Yoon’s incoming administration, according to Reuters.
Sung Kim arrived in South Korea Monday last week on a five-day visit that included meeting outgoing South Korean President Moon Jae-in, and several members of the incoming administration.
Yoon has already signaled a tougher approach to North Korea after the efforts of his liberal predecessor to improve relations between both Koreas failed. Park Jin, who is Yoon’s foreign minister nominee, also met with Sung Kim Wednesday last week.