North Korea Believed to Be Planning to Hold Military Parade Instead of Rocket Launch

The Chinese have indicated that they will attend the 70th Anniversary of the Workers’ Party celebration in North Korea which leads me to believe the the Chinese government must have convinced the Kim regime to not begin another provocation cycle:

North Korea is likely to go for an ostentatious military parade for the celebration of the ruling party’s founding anniversary later this month, instead of a much-trumpeted launch of long-range missile, according to officials on Friday.

North Korea is expected to celebrate the landmark 70th anniversary of the foundation of the Workers’ Party of Korea on Oct. 10 with unusual events to show off its military might as the country has often done on major occasions.

Launch of a long-range missile has been the most speculated event, but officials said North Korea has so far not shown any signs of preparations for the launch before the anniversary date.

Instead, the country is putting together a military parade at an airfield in Pyongyang, which may involve new types of weapons.

“Various equipment and troops like combat jets, artillery equipment and missiles have been deployed to the Mirim Airport in Pyongyang. The North is preparing a parade event in commemoration of the party foundation,” a government official said.  [Korea Times]

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