Government: "Japan Must Immediately Withdraw Sovereignty Claim over Dokdo in This Year's Defense White Paper"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] The government strongly protested Japan's claim of sovereignty over Dokdo in this year's Defense White Paper on the 13th.

Choi Young-sam, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at the regular briefing in the afternoon, "The government strongly protests Japan's repeated futile claims of sovereignty over Dokdo, which is clearly our inherent territory historically, geographically, and under international law, as stated in the Defense White Paper released by the Japanese government, and urges its immediate withdrawal."

He continued, "The government points out that the Japanese government has recently been intensifying its unjust claims over Dokdo, including in this Defense White Paper, and expresses strong regret over this."

He added, "The government reiterates that Japan's unjust claims have no impact whatsoever on our sovereignty over Dokdo, which is the inherent territory of the Republic of Korea, and will respond strictly and firmly to any provocations regarding Dokdo."

Earlier, the Japanese government held a Cabinet meeting in the morning and approved the 2021 edition of the Defense White Paper, "Japan's Defense," which includes claims of sovereignty over Dokdo.

This marks the 17th consecutive year since 2005 that Japan's Defense White Paper has included claims of sovereignty over Dokdo.

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