South Korea's presidential office says the annual maritime defense exercise in the East Sea is a drill aimed at "guarding South Korea's sovereignty and territory."
Speaking to reporters Sunday,... a spokesperson for the top office said the exercise 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 for this year's exercise.
South Korea's drill was swiftly criticized by Japan.
Tokyo's foreign ministry called the exercises "unacceptable" and falsely claimed Dokdo is "an inherent part of the territory of Japan.