Defense Minister Kishi: "Report on JSDF Dokdo Invasion Response Document Is an Unreasonable Claim of Japanese Territory"

Despite South Korean Government Denial, Defense Minister Kishi Publicly States "Protested"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Seon-ae] The Japanese government insisted that Dokdo is Japanese territory in response to South Korean media reports that the South Korean military had drafted documents outlining a scenario of the Japan Self-Defense Forces invading Dokdo and the corresponding defense forces. Even though the South Korean government denied the report, the fact that Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi publicly revealed his protest regarding the media coverage has been criticized as diplomatically inappropriate.

At a press conference on the 12th, Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi stated in response to related questions, "If the report is true, considering Takeshima (竹島, the name Japan claims for Dokdo) is clearly our country's inherent territory both historically and under international law, it is completely unacceptable."

Earlier, the Dong-A Ilbo reported that the Ministry of National Defense had drafted an internal document detailing the Japan Self-Defense Forces' invasion operation scenario of Dokdo and the South Korean military's defense forces, and that this document was reported to the National Assembly in December last year.

Defense Minister Kishi said, "If South Korea perceives that Japan is trying to increase military threats regarding Takeshima, that is completely unfounded." He also revealed that regarding this report, he "strongly demanded an explanation of the facts and simultaneously conveyed our country's position again and strongly protested" to the South Korean military attach? in Japan the day before.

Rear Admiral Kim Hak-min, the South Korean military attach? in Japan, reportedly explained that the report was not true when a Ministry of Defense official requested an explanation by phone the previous day. It is also known that the Japanese government protested through other diplomatic channels.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.