DPRK stages military parade

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s leader Kim Jong-Un (R) and China's Vice-President Li Yuanchao (C) wave to the crowd during a military parade at Kim Il-Sung square marking the 60th anniversary of the Korean war armistice in Pyongyang on July 27, 2013. [Photo/Agencies] More photos on DPRK military parade

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea held a military parade to mark 60th anniversary of the signing of the Korean War (1950-53) armistice on Saturday, the DPRK's official Korean Central News Agency reported.

The DPRK's top leader Kim Jong-un was seen standing on an upper podium overlooking Pyongyang's Kim Il-sung Square to inspect massive throngs of goose-stepping soldiers. Armored vehicles and trucks carrying cannons, multiple rocket launchers and missiles followed the march. Helicopters, fighter jets and an unmanned aircraft flew over the podium.

Choe Ryong-hae, director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army, said in a speech that the DPRK considers peace a top national priority and its military is tasked with safeguarding the country from foreign invasion.

"A peaceful environment is important for the country that gives priority to economic construction and improvement of the lives of our people," Choe said.

Choe said all the armed forces and people should strengthen the country's defense.

More than 10,000 servicemen, including cavalry, veterans, infantry and mechanized units, participated in the parade.

Residents in the capital held a float parade after the march. Besides, Arirang, a gymnastic and artistic extravaganza, was being performed at the May Day Stadium. A memorial for the Korean War was inaugurated on the same day.

A visiting Chinese government delegation and veterans of the Chinese People's Volunteers attended the activities.

The Korean War came to a ceasefire on July 27, 1953, when the armistice agreement was signed in Panmunjom on the border of the DPRK and Republic of Korea. But the war is not officially over because no peace treaty has ever been signed.