North Korea ready for war

North Korea celebrated the 70th anniversary of its ruling party with an enormous parade designed to show the world the country's military muscle.

The world's most secretive state has opened its doors as it celebrates the Working Party's milestone, with tens of thousands of soldiers marching through the capital Pyongyang.


A aerobatic flyby saw fighter planes spell out the number 70, while thousands of soldiers held up coloured cards spelling out the words 'defending our homeland."

The unusually public celebrations have been seen as an attempt by supreme leader Kim Jung-Un to reinforce his country's military potential.

North Korea military parade for the 70th anniversary of founding of the ruling Workers Party of Korea
Supreme leader: Kim Jung Un presides over the parade

Addressing crowds in Kim Il-sung Square, Kim said: "The party's revolutionary armament means we are ready to fight any kind of war waged by the US imperialists."

Journalists in the country have reported people practicing choreographed moves in the street, ahead of a scheduled parade later this evening.

North Korea military parade for the 70th anniversary of founding of the ruling Workers Party of Korea
Military might: Tens of thousands of soldiers marched in perfect synchronisation during the parade for the 70th anniversary of the ruling Workers Party of Korea

On Thursday, visitors were taken to a football match, with North Korea playing the Philippines in a tense, scoreless draw before an enthusiastic crowd.