The military parade organized by South Korea in Seoul attracted international attention due to the unprecedented participation of American soldiers. This show of force took place in a climate of heightened tensions with North Korea.
The military parade, which brought together nearly 6,700 South Korean soldiers, was applauded by a large crowd despite pouring rain. Tanks, drones and missiles were deployed, but aerial demonstrations had to be canceled due to weather conditions.
The event also marked the participation of nearly 300 American soldiers from a combat unit, symbolizing the strengthening of the military alliance between the United States and South Korea in the face of the nuclear threat from North Korea .
Newly elected South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol delivered a speech at a ceremony at an air base south of Seoul, emphasizing the importance of defense ties between the two countries. Notably, he said the U.S.-South Korean alliance was prepared to respond forcefully if North Korea used nuclear weapons.
This military parade, the first in ten years, is considered a strong message sent to Pyongyang. It is seen as a demonstration of South Korea’s determination not to back down in the face of provocations from its northern neighbor.
American participation in this event also demonstrates the United States’ commitment to the security of South Korea and the desire to strengthen ties between the two countries in the field of defense.
South Korea, as a major arms exporter, also took advantage of this parade to highlight its latest military technologies. However, experts point out that this policy could change if North Korea begins exporting weapons to Russia in exchange for space and military technologies.
In conclusion, South Korea’s military parade with the participation of American soldiers marks an important step in strengthening defense ties between the two countries. This event, which took place in a context of tensions with North Korea, symbolizes South Korea’s desire to defend its sovereignty and face regional threats.