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October 11, 2025

Anna Murray 

As of October 10, North Korea marked the 80th anniversary of its ruling Workers’ Party with large-scale celebrations and military displays in Pyongyang. The events highlighted the country’s growing confidence and its efforts to demonstrate “international prestige,” according to state media.

Foreign dignitaries from allied nations—including Chinese Premier Li Qiang, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and Vietnamese Communist Party chief To Lam—attended the festivities, which began on October 9 with a concert featuring mass performances, patriotic songs, and fireworks. The participation of these officials underscored Pyongyang’s continued outreach to key partners such as China and Russia.

During a military parade, North Korea unveiled what it described as its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-20, along with long-range cruise missiles and drones. Analysts note that such parades often serve to display advancements in the country’s strategic weapons program and to reaffirm its ties with supportive nations.