SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised what he called his country’s fight against a U.S.-led military threat and vowed to turn North Korea into “the best socialist paradise in the world,” as he addressed state anniversary celebrations in the presence of Chinese, Russian and other foreign dignitaries.
Kim’s speech on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers’ Party on Friday comes as he seeks to bolster an anti-Western partnership with other countries, even as he showed interest in resuming diplomacy with the United States.
The highlight of North Korea’s anniversary events would be a military parade planned for Friday in a Pyongyang square, where Kim will likely stand alongside Chinese, Russian and other leaders to watch the display of some of his newest and most advanced weapons aimed at the United States and its allies.
In a speech Thursday at Pyongyang’s May Day Stadium, packed with tens of thousands of spectators, Kim said North Korea has been pushing for the simultaneous development of nuclear weapons and the economy to deal with “growing threats of nuclear war by U.S. imperialists,” according to state media.
“Our party and government are still dealing with the fierce political and military pressure measures of our adversaries by pursuing more hardline policies, clinging to firm principles and employing courageous and unwavering countermeasures,” Kim said. “This is powerfully driving the growth of the progressive field against war and hegemony.”
Kim also expressed confidence in overcoming difficulties and dramatically improving the economy in the near future. “I will surely make this country a more prosperous and beautiful land and the best socialist paradise in the world,” Kim said.
Foreign dignitaries attending the celebration included Chinese Premier Li Qiang, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Communist Party General Secretary To Lam. Kim met separately with Li and To Lam to discuss strengthening ties, and one of his top deputies, Jo Yong Won, met with Medvedev.
The exact timing of the military parade is unclear, and rain is expected in Pyongyang throughout the day on Friday. Some observers say North Korea will likely hold the parade on Friday afternoon or evening, after weather conditions improve.
The parade could feature some of the weapons systems North Korea has tested or unveiled in recent years, including intercontinental ballistic missiles potentially capable of reaching the continental United States and shorter-range weapons that the North says can launch nuclear strikes against rival South Korea.
Kim has been accelerating the expansion of his nuclear-armed military since his high-stakes nuclear diplomacy with U.S. President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019 over disputes over U.S.-led economic sanctions on North Korea. But last month, Kim suggested he could return to talks if the United States drops its demand for complete denuclearization of North Korea, after Trump repeatedly expressed hopes for a new round of diplomacy.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Kim has made Russia the priority of his foreign policy, sending thousands of troops and large shipments of conventional weapons to help fuel Putin’s war. Kim also visited China last month and shared the stage with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Putin at a massive military parade, in a step aimed at strengthening his diplomatic standing.
North Korea’s three main state newspapers, including the main Rodong Sinmun, published a rare joint editorial urging loyalty to Kim and support for his nuclear weapons program.
Kim is “the great representative of the Party and the dignity and bright future of the nation,” the editorial said.
It was the first time they published a joint editorial since January 2012, in a New Year’s statement weeks after Kim inherited power following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il.