North Korea was anticipated to hold a military parade on Friday, October 10, to demonstrate its expanding military capabilities, as leader Kim Jong-un proclaimed that the country’s global influence was increasing during an event celebrating the founding of the ruling Workers’ Party. Echoing his recent visit to Beijing for China’s World War Two anniversary, Kim stood alongside allied leaders, describing North Korea as a “faithful member of socialist forces” and a “bulwark for independence” against Western global dominance.

Kim praised the party’s legacy, stating it had made “not a single mistake or error” over its 80-year history and had guided the nation’s rise through the people’s wisdom and strength, according to state news agency KCNA. “Today, we face the world as a powerful people with no obstacles we cannot overcome and no achievement beyond our reach,” Kim said during a speech at May Day Stadium on Thursday, attended by senior foreign delegations.

A South Korean military official indicated that a parade was likely on Friday evening, pointing to ongoing rehearsals featuring troops, missiles, and military equipment. North Korea, which possesses nuclear weapons, often uses such parades—frequently at night during key anniversaries—to display its advancing military power, including new ballistic missiles and other hardware. This week’s parade is closely monitored for a potential unveiling of a new solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the US mainland.

On Thursday, Kim appeared on the main podium at May Day Stadium alongside Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Vietnamese leader To Lam, and Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev, with additional foreign diplomats in attendance. KCNA reported that the cheering crowd “shook the capital’s night sky,” with mass games and artistic performances adding to the festivities.

Kim received Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam and his large delegation with an honor guard, holding talks on enhancing cooperation to address global challenges. Despite international sanctions restricting North Korea’s external engagement, Lam’s sizable delegation highlights Hanoi’s intention to strengthen longstanding ties from the Cold War era. Analysts note Vietnam views North Korea as both an economic partner and a potential intermediary for communication with the West while Russia faces isolation and China remains cautious. Kim also met with China’s Li Qiang, with both leaders describing the visit as marking a “new chapter” in bilateral relations, committing to expand strategic dialogue and high-level exchanges, KCNA reported.