North Korea celebrated its founding anniversary with a grand parade in Pyongyang on Friday, attended by leader Kim Jong Un, Russian diplomats, and a high-ranking Chinese delegation. The event primarily showcased Pyongyang's paramilitary forces, rather than the regular army, and did not display the country's banned weaponry, such as intercontinental ballistic missiles.

State media images captured the excitement and joy of the spectators as they celebrated their nation's birthday in Kim Il Sung Square. The participants expressed their highest glory and warmest thanks to Kim Jong Un, recognizing him as a peerless patriot and ever-victorious iron-willed commander.

Kim also met with a Chinese delegation led by Liu Guozhong, vice-premier of the State Council, marking the second visit by high-ranking officials from Beijing in just six weeks. Both sides expressed their intention to further intensify coordination and cooperation between the two countries.

Russian diplomats were also present at the parade, along with a Russian military song-and-dance ensemble that arrived in Pyongyang specifically to commemorate the occasion. Moscow recently expanded its official presence in North Korea, allowing its embassy to bring in diplomatic and technical staff for the first time since 2019.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to Kim, emphasizing the need to expand bilateral ties in various aspects. The parade was North Korea's third this year and follows the unveiling of the country's first tactical nuclear attack submarine just two days prior.

Although South Korean military officials suggested the submarine might not be operational, Kim declared it as part of the nation's progress in nuclear weaponizing its Navy. The increasing cooperation between China, Russia, and North Korea, combined with Chinese President Xi Jinping's absence from the G20 Summit in India, raises concerns about a potential shift in Asia's geopolitical landscape.

Experts warn that a major arms deal between Russia and North Korea, breaching international sanctions, should worry Beijing. Amid North Korea's record number of weapons tests this year and its recent failed attempt to launch a spy satellite, South Korea and the United States have strengthened their security cooperation as a response.

Overall, the parade and the presence of high-ranking officials from China and Russia showcase North Korea's efforts to deepen ties with its neighbors and assert its presence on the international stage.