Seoul, July 15
The South Korean government on Tuesday "strongly" protested after Japan reiterated its territorial claim to the islets of Dokdo in this year's defence white paper, summoning Japanese Embassy officials to lodge a complaint.
"The government strongly protests Japan's reiteration of its unjust territorial claim to Dokdo," South Korea's foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement, describing the islets as South Korean territory in terms of history, geography and international law.
The spokesperson also called for the "immediate" withdrawal of Japan's claim, warning that the government will respond sternly to any provocations from Japan regarding Dokdo.
Seoul's defence ministry echoed the call, vowing a "stern" response to any attempt to undermine the country's territorial rights.
Both ministries called in officials from the Japanese Embassy in Seoul to lodge complaints, reported news agency.