Kim Jong Un welcomes Chinese and Russian guests at parade marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of North Korea

North Korea showcased its ties to China and Russia through a paramilitary parade that used rocket launchers pulled by trucks and tractors, state media reported on September 7.

The event, held in Pyongyang on September 6, marked the 75th anniversary of North Korea's founding and highlighted efforts by leader Kim Jong Un to strengthen his alliances with Moscow and Beijing amid growing tensions with Washington, the Associated Press reported.

The parade came amid growing speculation that Kim Jong Un might soon travel to Russia for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, possibly about North Korean arms sales in support of Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.

North Korea has reportedly sent containers to Russia that could contain more than six million artillery shells. As Russian ammunition stocks are running low due to the extensive deployment in Ukraine, North Korea has become Russia’s largest foreign arms supplier.

China was represented at the celebrations by a delegation led by Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, while Russia sent a military song and dance ensemble to participate in the event.

South Korean media speculate that the absence of Russian officials at the recent celebrations in Pyongyang may be related to preparations for a summit between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin that Washington expects later this month. Some US reports suggest the meeting could take place as early as next week.

Putin is scheduled to attend an international forum in Vladivostok from September 8 to 11, the same city where he first met Kim in 2019. Vladivostok is now seen as a likely location for their next summit.

South Korea's intelligence agency told lawmakers in a closed meeting that North Korea and Russia may be planning a surprise route for Kim's visit to avoid media speculation, the Associated Press reports. North Korea has not yet confirmed any plans for Kim's trip to Russia.