North Korea's Anniversary Parade Held 'Without Intercontinental Missiles'

North Korea held a large military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of its establishment. While the manner of the event and its implications were closely monitored, it was reported that North Korea refrained from showcasing its advanced missiles. The ceremony on Sunday, September 8, was attended by thousands of military personnel, hundreds of vehicles, and other military equipment. According to reports from the Associated Press and other international media, it was expected that North Korea's message would be a display of advanced missiles on one hand and an emphasis on economic progress and transformation on the other. The South Korean state news agency, Yonhap, citing 'experts', stated that while the northern neighbor would showcase its military capabilities, it would likely attempt to avoid creating a crisis in negotiations with the U.S. regarding denuclearization; negotiations that are currently facing tensions and challenges. On Sunday afternoon, Korean Peninsula time, it was reported that Pyongyang ultimately refrained from displaying intercontinental ballistic missiles and other advanced missiles, which are said to have access to U.S. territory and are a major concern regarding North Korea's military capabilities. A reporter from the French news agency who was at the event stated that intercontinental missiles were not displayed. The Associated Press also reported that this grand ceremony was held without the display of the most advanced missiles, with a significant portion focused on efforts to rebuild the country and its economic situation. NK News: The parade has concluded, and intercontinental and medium-range missiles were not displayed. This is a photo of the most important military equipment shown. These reports have not yet been officially confirmed. The U.S. and other countries negotiating or engaging with North Korea have not yet officially responded to these reports. According to reports, Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, also did not give a speech at the event. A state concert on September 7 was part of the 70th anniversary celebrations of North Korea. Negotiations are 'suspended'. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, announced on August 24 that he had asked Mike Pompeo, his Secretary of State, not to travel to North Korea for now. Pompeo was supposed to visit Pyongyang this month. Mr. Trump stated that no significant progress has been seen in negotiations with North Korea regarding the elimination of nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula. Two weeks later, the official North Korean news agency quoted its leader as saying that Pyongyang is committed to the denuclearization process on the peninsula. Kim Jong-un expressed his 'commitment' and dissatisfaction with 'external pessimism' and called for 'actions stemming from goodwill'. The last time North Korea showcased its missile capabilities was last winter. This was the seventh military parade in North Korea since Kim Jong-un came to power in 2011. The leaders of the two Koreas are also expected to meet and discuss for the third time soon, which may have implications for the current situation and future developments. Several officials from other countries, including Li Zhang, the third-ranking official of the ruling Communist Party of China, and Valentina Matviyenko, the Chair of the Federation Council of Russia (the Russian Senate), attended the parade. After it was officially confirmed that Xi Jinping, the leader of China, would not attend this event, effectively no leader from any major power participated in the ceremony on Sunday.