North Korea has warned the US not to take provocative action in the region, saying it is “ready to hit back with nuclear attacks”. The comments came as North Korea marked the 105th anniversary of the birth of its founding president, Kim Il-sung. A huge parade in Pyongyang was held amid speculation current leader Kim Jong-un could order a new nuclear test. Among the hardware on display appeared to be new intercontinental and submarine-launched ballistic missiles. The show of strength comes amid mounting tension, with a US aircraft carrier group steaming towards the region. “We’re prepared to respond to an all-out war with an all-out war,” said Choe Ryong-hae, believed to be the country’s second most powerful official.
“We are ready to hit back with nuclear attacks of our own style against any nuclear attacks,” he said.
Rows of military bands and goose-stepping and sword-wielding soldiers marched through Pyongyang’s main Kim Il-sung square for the “Day of the Sun” celebrations, as a black-suited Kim Jong-un watched on.
He saluted an honour guard and took his place on the podium. At times he appeared relaxed and laughed with aides.
It was an extraordinary and perturbing spectacle. In fact, more than a spectacle. As the thousands upon thousands of soldiers goose-stepped past, in a highly choreographed display of loyalty and unity, you could literally feel the ground shake beneath your feet.
And they kept coming, in perfect formation, on and on, until eventually looming into view behind them, came the heavy weaponry. It included the components of the regime’s fledgling nuclear weapons programme – the giant missiles on mobile launchers, their engines growling and competing with the sound of the music and the marching feet.
