Overview

• In a speech at the Party Founding Museum on Oct. 8, Kim Jong Un vowed to eliminate acts that undermine the Workers’ Party’s authority and demanded stricter discipline, state media reported.
• Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev and Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam arrived Thursday to attend the 80th‑anniversary events, with Reuters reporting that cooperation agreements are expected during Lam’s visit.
• South Korean reporting and analysts say a large military parade is expected for the anniversary, though Pyongyang has not confirmed it, and rainy weather could shift the timing earlier, according to JoongAng Daily.
• North Korea’s Oct. 4 defense exhibition showcased new systems including the Hwasong‑11MA short‑range missile with a hypersonic glide vehicle, and analysts say the parade could be used to unveil additional strategic weapons.
• Experts interpret the gathering of senior Chinese and Russian figures as a signal of closer trilateral alignment intended to counter U.S.-led pressure.