North Korea held a military parade in the capital on Thursday before sending delegates to South Korea for the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
Although the parade has been anticipated for weeks, the Associated Press reported the North’s extravaganza is seen as an attempt to taunt the Trump administration and display its restraint regarding relations with the South.
Pyongyang made an announcement in January they would be holding a big event to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of its military. Instead of broadcasting the event live Thursday morning, North Korean television aired an edited version later in the day.
President Donald Trump has told the Department of Defense that he wants a military parade similar to the one he witnessed in France during Bastille Day in 2017.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders confirmed in a Tuesday statement Trump wants to explore a celebration for Americans to show their appreciation to military members “who risk their lives every day to keep our country safe.”
Vice President Mike Pence arrived in South Korea on Thursday, where he will attend and represent the U.S. at the opening ceremony for the Olympic games on Friday. Pence reportedly asked organizers to “ensure he would never have to cross paths with the North Korean delegation.”
