"Dokdo is Japanese land" for 22nd consecutive year... also checking China's military power

[Anchor]

In its defense whitepaper released for the first time since the launch of the Takaichi cabinet, the Japanese government has repeated its unjustified claim that Dokdo is Japanese territory. In response to this unjust claim, which has been repeated for 22 consecutive years, the South Korean government lodged a strong protest and urged its retraction. Japan also showed a sensitive reaction to China's expanding military power.

Here is a report by reporter Kim Yongtae.

[Reporter]

This is the 2026 defense whitepaper released by Japan's Ministry of Defense today (August 4).

It defines South Korea as an important neighboring country and a partner to cooperate with in responding to international issues.

However, regarding Dokdo, which drew the most attention, the paper states that the issue of Takeshima, which it claims as Japan's inherent territory, remains unresolved.

In the maritime and airspace demarcation map, a solid circle is drawn around Dokdo to emphasize that it is Japanese territorial waters.

The Takaichi cabinet has thus repeated the absurd claim that Dokdo is Japanese land.

This marks the 22nd consecutive year since 2005.

The South Korean government urged Japan to immediately withdraw its repetitive and unjustified claims regarding Dokdo, which is clearly South Korean territory.

[Park Doosun / Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: We once again clearly state that this has no effect whatsoever on our sovereignty, and we make it clear that we will resolutely respond to any Japanese provocations regarding Dokdo.]

The government also summoned Kazuo Chujo, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in South Korea, to lodge a strong protest.

The Japanese defense whitepaper featured an inverted map of East Asia.

This method is similar to the one used in November last year by US Forces Korea Commander Brunson, who used a map oriented with the south facing upward. It effectively expresses strong vigilance by highlighting China's military activities.

Expressing concern that a serious situation shaking the foundation of the international order could occur in East Asia, Japan also kept in check the strengthening alliance among China, North Korea, and Russia.

[Koizumi Shinjiro / Japanese Defense Minister: These activities by both China and Russia clearly carry a provocative character toward Japan, and we view them as a matter of grave concern regarding Japan's security.]

Furthermore, Japan stated that unmanned military equipment such as drones and the application of artificial intelligence have become important, and announced that it will devise measures to apply advanced technology to national security.

(Video reporting: Moon Hyunjin, Video editing: Kim Byungjik)

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