North Korea leaves weapons of mass destruction out of enormous military parade celebrating nation's 70th anniversary

Weapons of mass destruction kept away from event as Pyongyang turns focus to economic growth

North Korea held a display of military power to mark its 70th anniversary as a nation, but held off on parading its nuclear arsenal.

Thousands of soldiers goose-stepped alongside tanks and various weaponry carried on trucks through Kim Il-sung Square in the centre of Pyongyang during the annual spectacle on Sunday.

But, in a break from recent years, almost half the event was devoted to civilian efforts to build the country’s economy, now a key focus for leader Kim Jong-un.

Fewer missiles than usual were paraded, while long-range, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) or any references to Pyongyang’s nuclear might were omitted from the ceremony.

Thousands of armed services personnel took part in the parade (AFP)

The event marked North Korea’s 70th anniversary as a nation (EPA)

Civilians also marched in as focus was drawn towards economic growth (EPA)

Focus was instead switched to civilian groups including nurses, students and construction workers, marching beside colourful floats.

Mr Kim attended but did not address crowds, instead leaving the job to senior statesman Kim Yong-nam, who told armed forces to prepare to work for financial growth rather than for battle.

The supreme leader was seen at the end of the two-hour event, joining hands with Chinese special envoy Li Zhanshu, a high-ranking member of China‘s ruling communist party.

The gesture was intended to demonstrate close ties between the two nations, though the absence of Chinese president Xi Jinping could indicate Beijing still holds some reservations about the North.

Kim Jong-un holds the hand of Chinese special envoy Li Zhanshu (AP)

People wave plastic flowers during the parade on Sunday (Reuters)

This year’s parade comes as negotiations to ease tensions between the reclusive nation and the US appeared to have stalled.

Mr Kim had pledged to dismantle Pyongyang’s nuclear programme following landmark talks with president Donald Trump in Singapore in June.

However, US intelligence agencies now believe initial overtures have not turned into progress, with the North unlikely to have completely denuclearised.

Mr Kim is set for another meeting with South Korean president Moon Jae-in next week in Pyongyang, where the two leaders will discuss ways to break the current impasse.

Soldiers goose-step through Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang (AFP)

Thousands of civilians took part in the event this year (EPA)

Such parades in North Korea are usually used as a display of military power (EPA)

The “new line” of putting economic development first has been Mr Kim’s top priority this year.

He claims to have perfected his nuclear arsenal enough to deter US aggression, meaning he can now devote his resources to raising the nation’s standard of living.

This year’s celebrations also mark the revival of North Korea’s iconic mass games after a five-year hiatus.

The games involve tens of thousands of people holding up placards or dancing in precise unison and are intended to be a display of national unity.

This year’s spectacle, one of the few North Korean events to which a large number of foreign dignitaries and press are invited, is also expected focus on economic themes.

Additional reporting by agencies