South Korean Military Conducts 'East Sea Territory Defense Exercise' Near Dokdo… Japanese Government Lodges Strong Protest
The South Korean military has conducted the 'East Sea Territory Defense Exercise' in the waters near Dokdo to protect our territory. This exercise is a routine drill aimed at reaffirming our sovereignty over Dokdo and defending the territory from external threats.
Upon news of the military's exercise, the Japanese government reacted immediately. The Japanese side stated through diplomatic channels that it had "lodged a strong protest with the South Korean government based on its consistent position regarding Takeshima (the name Japan uses for Dokdo)."
Dokdo is clearly an inherent territory of the Republic of Korea historically, geographically, and under international law. Our government has consistently made it clear in response to such unjust claims by Japan that sovereignty over Dokdo is not a subject for compromise.
This exercise is intended to check our military's defense posture and solidify the resolve to protect our territory. Moving forward, our military plans to continue its efforts to safely guard the territory while closely monitoring the security situation around Dokdo.