North Korea Unveils New Nuclear Weapons Amid Major Military Parade

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently hosted a massive military parade in Pyongyang to mark the 80th anniversary of the Workers' Party, showcasing the country's newest and largest nuclear weapons, including hypersonic and solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching U.S. mainland targets. The event was attended by top Chinese and Russian officials, highlighting North Korea's strengthening alliances and defiance against Western global influence. U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper condemned North Korea's nuclear and missile programs as a serious global threat, emphasizing the commitment of the U.S. and South Korea to regional security, while also calling for a fairer distribution of defense costs. Despite North Korean leader Kim expressing openness to dialogue if the U.S. drops denuclearization demands, the display of advanced weaponry heightens diplomatic and security tensions, particularly for Washington and Seoul. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the development of new deterrent weapons, signaling ongoing global military posturing amid rising tensions. These developments underscore the increasing complexity and risks in East Asian security dynamics involving North Korea, the U.S., China, Russia, and their respective allies.