Seoul: The South Korean Navy on Thursday conducted defense drills near the country's easternmost islets of Dokdo, marking the first such exercise this year, the armed service said. "Our military has conducted East Sea defense drills on a regular basis each year," the Navy stated, emphasizing the exercise's focus on responding to threats against the country's territory, people, and property.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the latest exercise was similar in scale and method compared to previous drills. It marked the third such exercise under President Lee Jae Myung. The drills occurred shortly after Japan renewed its territorial claim to Dokdo in its latest defense white paper, prompting Seoul's foreign ministry to lodge a protest.

The Japanese government has long protested against the drills near Dokdo in the past.