Daily US Times: Kim Jong-un has said the US is North Korea’s “biggest enemy” and that he does not expect Washington to change its policy toward Pyongyang – whoever is president. Addressing a rare congress of his ruling Workers’ Party, the North Korean leader also pledged to expand North Korea’s nuclear arsenal and military potential.
Mr Kim said that plans for a nuclear submarine were almost complete.
His comments come as Joe Biden prepares to takes office in January 20.
Analysts suggest Kim Jong-un’s remarks are an effort to apply pressure on the incoming government, with president-elect Mr Biden set to be sworn in.
Kim Jong-un enjoyed a warm rapport with outgoing Mr Trump in his tern in the White House, even if little concrete progress was made on negotiations over the North’s nuclear programme.
In his latest address to the Workers’ Party, The North Korean leader said Pyongyang did not intend to use its nuclear arsenal unless “hostile forces” were planning to use them against North Korea first.
He said the US was North Korea’s “biggest obstacle for our revolution and our biggest enemy… no matter who is in power, the true nature of its policy against North Korea will never change,” according to report of state news agency KCNA.
Kim’s speech outlined a list of desired weapons including “super-large warheads” and long-range ballistic missiles capable of being launched from sea or land.
North Korea has managed to significantly advance its nuclear arsenal despite being subject to strict economic sanctions.
Mr Kim admitted earlier this week that his five-year economic plan for his country failed to meet its targets in “almost every sector”.
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