North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his influential sister Kim Yo Jong, visited a cemetery for Chinese soldiers who fought in the Korean War, according to state media KCNA. This visit comes ahead of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War truce, which North Korea celebrates as Victory Day. The country typically marks this occasion with a grandiose military parade.
In preparation for the upcoming ceremony, North Korea has invited Chinese and Russian delegations as the first public visitors since the start of the pandemic. South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities are closely monitoring the situation, increasing manpower and equipment, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff in South Korea.
Kim Jong Un also paid a visit to the Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs Cemetery earlier, where he praised the soldiers for inflicting defeat on U.S. imperialism. The term Great Fatherland Liberation War is used by Pyongyang to refer to the Korean War.
The visit to the Chinese war cemetery highlights the historical ties between North Korea and China. China played a significant role in supporting North Korea during the war. The cemetery visit, combined with the upcoming anniversary, reflects the importance of remembering the war and the alliances formed during that period.
It is worth noting that Kim Jong Un’s visit to the cemetery, along with the presence of Chinese and Russian delegations, demonstrates North Korea’s efforts to strengthen international relations and present a united front against perceived external threats.
As preparations for the ceremony continue, the world will be closely watching North Korea’s actions and the messages conveyed during the celebration of the Korean War truce anniversary.