Kim Jong-un warns Joe Biden the US is North Korea’s ‘principal enemy’ as he vows to build the ‘most powerful military’

Kim Jong-un has issued a stark warning to President-elect Joe Biden after boasting about North Korea’s mass military expansion.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for maximum military power in the face of a “hostile policy” by the US, just days before Joe Biden is sworn in as president.

His comments came at a gathering of the top ruling party — the rare and politically-decisive Eighth Party Congress — where Kim unveiled plans to boost the country’s military might and improve its economic fortunes.

He closed the third event of its kind to be held in 41 years by stating the North “must further strengthen the nuclear war deterrent while doing our best to build up the most powerful military strength.”

“By accelerating the push to make our military more elite and strong, we need to have them thoroughly prepared to play their role against any form of threats or unexpected situations,” Kim said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un delivering a speech to conclude the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) in Pyongyang. Picture: KCNA VIA KNS / AFP

In the days prior to the Congress’ conclusion, Kim slammed the US as “the fundamental obstacle to the development of our revolution and our foremost principal enemy”.

The dictator claimed America’s policy towards his nation would “will never change, whoever comes into power,” but did not mention Mr Biden by name.

North Korea had completed plans for a nuclear-powered submarine and was working to test and manufacture various weapons including hypersonic gliding warheads and solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles.

North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) released this image of the military parade during a ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea. Picture: AFP Photo/KCNA via KNS

North Korea showed off a gigantic new intercontinental ballistic missile on October 10, 2020 that analysts described as the biggest of its kind in the world. Picture: KCNA VIA KNS / AFP / South Korea OUT

US President Donald Trump had a volatile relationship with the North Korean leader.

Yet the pair were seen to cultivate an unlikely friendship, which raised eyebrows in diplomatic circles.

It seems a much more turbulent relationship lies ahead with Joe Biden – who has previously branded Kim a “thug” and criticised his cosy summits with Mr Trump.

North Korea has previously labelled Mr Biden a “rabid dog” that “must be beaten to death with a stick.”

Mr Biden’s inauguration is set to take place on Wednesday, January 20 (Thursday, January 21 AEDT).

Originally published as Kim Jong-un warns Joe Biden the US is North Korea’s ‘principal enemy’ as he vows to build the ‘most powerful military’