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SEOUL – Russia and China were third, as were special envoys and government delegations from Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, Syria and the Palestinian Authority.
There was even at least one head of state – the president of Mauritania – in Pyongyang for the 70th anniversary of the founding of North Korea.
But it was the absence of intercontinental ballistic missiles that was most striking at Sunday's military parade at Kim Il Sung Square amid a long period of relaxation between Pyongyang and Washington.
At a similar military parade last April, North Korea launched at least one live ICBM on state television and then launched it for the first time a few weeks later, on July 4th. of gifts "at the American Independence Day.
In February of this year, the North again deployed long-range missiles at another military parade, although the North refrained from broadcasting the parade live.
On Sunday, the ICBMs were completely absent, replaced by an apparent focus on economic development, according to reporters from Western outlets, including the Associated Press and Reuters, who attended the parade.
The reporters said the North did not show long-range missiles capable of hitting the United States, although rocket launchers, long-range artillery and goose-hunting their appearance.
Since the end of his nuclear program in April, Kim has blown up the entrance to North Korea's underground nuclear test site and has begun dismantling a satellite launch site. Instead, Mr. Kim said that he was turning his attention entirely to the economy.
Throughout the summer, Kim has embarked on what the North Korean state media has called a "long journey of patriotic devotion", visiting factories and economic sites in remote areas of the country. country.
The discreet military parade should support this economic goal, while supporting a seemingly fragile diplomatic process.
Since President Trump shook Mr. Kim's hand at a summit meeting in Singapore in June, there have been signs of warmth and concern between the two leaders.
Last month, Trump abruptly canceled a trip to Pyongyang by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and New Special Envoy on North Korea Steve Biegun, citing a lack of good progress on denuclearization by North Korea.
Last week, a delegation of senior South Korean security officials met with Mr. Kim in Pyongyang, where Mr. Kim said he was ready for denuclearization and spoke of Mr. Trump in a flattering light, according to the adviser of South Korea.
"Thanks to President KimAnswered Mr. Trump in response on Thursday. "We will do it together!"
At the same time, the state media in North Korea has issued targeted warnings against the United States, accusing it of being reluctant to improve relations and War, which has been stalled. is completed by an armistice.
Despite diplomatic challenges, the absence of long-range missiles at Sunday's parade provides an opportunity to continue discussions to limit North Korea's arsenal and guide its economic development, said Adam Mount. Member of the Federation of American Scientists. Washington.
"The restricted display strongly suggests an interest in continuing the talks," he said.
Write to Jonathan Cheng at [email protected]
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