North Korea unveiled previously unseen intercontinental
ballistic missiles at an unprecedented predawn military parade on Saturday that
showcased the country’s long-range weapons for the first time in two years.
Analysts said the missile, which was shown on a transporter
vehicle with 11 axles, would be one of the largest road-mobile intercontinental
ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in the world if it becomes operational.
“This missile is a monster,” said Melissa Hanham, deputy director
of the Open Nuclear Network.
Also displayed were the Hwasong-15, which is the
longest-range missile ever tested by North Korea, and what appeared to be a new
submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).
Ahead of the parade, which was held to mark the 75th
anniversary of the founding of its ruling Workers’ Party, officials in South
Korea and the United States said Kim Jong Un could use the event to unveil a
new “strategic weapon” as promised earlier this year.
A senior U.S. administration official called the display of
the ICBM “disappointing” and called on the government to negotiate to achieve a
complete denuclearisation.
The parade featured North Korea’s ballistic missiles for the
first time since Kim began meeting with international leaders, including U.S.
President Donald Trump, in 2018.
“We will continue to build our national defence power and
self-defensive war deterrence,” Kim said, but vowed that the country’s military
power would not be used preemptively. He made no direct mention of the United
States or the now-stalled denuclearisation talks.
Kim blamed international sanctions, typhoons, and the
coronavirus for preventing him from delivering on promises of economic
progress.
“I am ashamed that I
have never been able to repay you properly for your enormous trust,” he said.
“My efforts and devotion were not sufficient to bring our
people out of difficult livelihoods.”
The video showed Kim make an appearance as a clock struck
midnight. Dressed in a grey suit and tie, he waved to the crowd and accepted
flowers from children while surrounded by military officials in Pyongyang’s
recently renovated Kim Il Sung Square.
Kim spoke for nearly half an hour, often visibly sweating
despite the cool morning air, shedding tears when thanking the troops, and
smiling and laughing as he watched the missiles.
The parade was highly choreographed, with thousands of
troops marching in formation, displays of new conventional military equipment
including tanks, and fighter jets launching flares and fireworks.
While attendees at other celebratory events were shown
wearing masks, no one at the parade appeared to be wearing them.
Kim said he hoped that North and South Korea would join
hands again when the global coronavirus crisis is over.
In a congratulatory message to Kim for the anniversary,
Chinese President Xi Jinping said he intended to “defend, consolidate and
develop” ties with North Korea, its state media said on Saturday.
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