Seoul: The South Korean government has "strongly" protested Japan's renewed territorial claim to the Dokdo islets, following the release of Japan's latest defense white paper. The paper, which was unveiled during a Cabinet meeting, refers to the islets by their Japanese name, Takeshima, and asserts them as part of Japan's territory.

According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea's foreign ministry spokesperson issued a statement describing the islets as South Korean territory based on history, geography, and international law. The statement called for the "immediate" withdrawal of Japan's claim, emphasizing that Seoul will respond firmly to any provocations from Japan regarding Dokdo.

In alignment with the foreign ministry, Seoul's defense ministry has also vowed a "stern" response to any attempts to challenge the country's territorial rights. Both ministries plan to summon officials from the Japanese Embassy in Seoul to formally lodge a complaint later in the day.

The defense white paper marks the 21st consecutive year Japan has included its claim to Dokdo, stating that territorial issues over the islets "still remain unresolved." This ongoing claim has been a persistent source of tension between South Korea and Japan, with Tokyo's assertions featured in policy papers, public statements, and educational materials.

South Korea maintains effective control over Dokdo with a small police detachment stationed on the islets.