South Korea's presidential office says the annual maritime defense exercise in the East Sea one of the largest ever held around the easternmost islets of Dokdo is a drill aimed at "guarding South Korea's sovereignty and territory."
Speaking to reporters Sunday,... a spokesperson for the top office said the two-day regular training is aimed at boosting military capabilities against any potential threats from "all forces"not just from Japan.
The spokesperson added various factors, including weather conditions, had been taken into consideration in scheduling this year's exercise.
Kicking off on Sunday, South Korea's drill was swiftly criticized by Japan.
Tokyo's foreign ministry called the exercises "unacceptable" and falsely claimed Dokdo is "obviously an inherent part of the territory of Japan.
South Korea's expanded two-day exercise includes, for the first time, an Aegis-equipped destroyer and army special forces.