SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea’s Foreign Ministry criticized the United States for expanding joint military exercises with South Korea that it claims are practice for a potential invasion, and it warned Tuesday of “more powerful follow-up measures” in response. North Korea has ramped up its weapons demonstrations to a record pace this year, launching more than 40 ballistic missiles, including developmental intercontinental ballistic missiles and an intermediate-range missile fired over Japan. Some of those launches have been described by the North as simulated nuclear attacks on South Korean and U.S. targets. North Korea has said its testing activities are meant as a warning amid the joint military drills. North Korea has said that firing was in reaction to South Korean live-fire exercises at land border areas.

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