April 25th marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the People¡¯s Army in North Korea. It seems that a mass parade is being prepared in celebration of this event.
A source from South Korean National Intelligence Service said, ¡°Though I cannot confirm whether a mass military parade will take place in North Korea, it is very clear that a big event is being prepared.¡±
Further, missiles and military trucks covered in a large tent were verified at an airport near Pyongyang.
According to a Japanese source, ¡°Rumors suggest that a mass military parade is being prepared for the 25th¡¦ It seems that an event will take place in relation to this.¡±
This is the first time such preparations are being made since September 2003, when North Korea showcased a military parade for the 55th anniversary of the government¡¯s inauguration. Last year, October 10th, only a gymnastics parade was held in at Kim Il Song Square in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of North Korean Workers¡¯ Party.
The source said, ¡°There is interest over this parade as rumors suggest that North Korea¡¯s new weapons will be presented¡± and added, ¡°In particular, I have a feeling that the Taepodong 2 that was fired last July may make an appearance.¡± Until now, North Korea has not revealed the Taepodong missile to the public.
Another source in North Korea said, ¡°I am aware that a large-scale event, possibly the biggest in history will take place, as this year marks the 95th anniversary of Kim Il Song¡¯s birthday (April 15) and the 75th anniversary of the Chosun (North Korea) People¡¯s Army.¡±
At the last military parade in 2003, North Korea was supposed to reveal its new long-range missiles, however with pressures from Russia and China, the missiles were not unveiled.
Some speculate that North Korea is trying to strengthen its regime through a mass military parade as well as set dominance over the U.S.-North Korea bilateral talks and six party talks.