1. The government of the Republic of Korea strongly protests against the Japanese government’s reiteration of futile territorial claims over Dokdo, which is clearly an integral part of the ROK’s territory in terms of history, geography and international law, in the “Defense of Japan 2021” released on July 13, and calls for an immediate withdrawal of such claims.

ㅇ The ROK government particularly expresses strong regrets regarding the Japanese government’s recent intensification of its unjust claims over Dokdo including, but not only, those made in the “Defense of Japan 2021.”

2. The ROK government makes clear once again that the Japanese government’s unjust claims do not and will not have any impact on the ROK’s sovereignty over Dokdo, an integral part of the ROK’s territory, and that the ROK government will respond strictly and firmly to any provocation over Dokdo.