North Korea stages huge parade to celebrate 70 years as a nation

Olivia Tobin10 September 2018

North Korea have staged a huge military parade to mark its 70th anniversary as a nation.

Unlike previous parades, the country held back its most advanced missiles and devoted nearly half of the parade to civilian efforts to build the domestic economy.

The strong emphasis on the economy underscores leader Kim Jong Un's new strategy of putting economic development at the forefront.

Mr Kim attended the morning parade but did not address the assembled crowd, which included the head of the Chinese parliament and high-level delegations from countries that have friendly ties with the North.

North Korea 70th Anniversary Parade: In Pictures

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Senior statesman Kim Yong Nam, the head of North Korea's parliament, set the relatively softer tone for the event with an opening speech that emphasised the economic goals of the regime, not its nuclear might.

The focus of the parade was on civilian groups, ranging from nurses to construction workers, many with colourful floats beside them.

The parade featured three of the state's top musical ensembles
AFP/Getty Images

Soon after the Sunday celebrations end, Mr Kim will once again meet in Pyongyang with South Korean President Moon Jae-in to discuss ways to break the impasse over his nuclear weapons.

The "new line" of putting economic development first has been Mr Kim's top priority this year.

He claims to have perfected his nuclear arsenal enough to deter US aggression and devote his resources to raising the nation's standard of living.

AP

This year's celebrations also mark the revival of North Korea's iconic mass games after a five-year hiatus.

The mass games involve tens of thousands of people holding up placards or dancing in precise unison and are intended to be a display of national unity.

Additional reporting by Associated Press

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