South Korea's presidential office says the annual maritime defense exercise in the East Sea one of the largest ever held around the easternmost islets of Dokdo is a drill aimed at "guarding South Korea's sovereignty and territory."<br />Speaking to reporters Sunday,... a spokesperson for the top office said the two-day regular training is aimed at boosting military capabilities against any potential threats from "all forces"not just from Japan.<br />The spokesperson added various factors, including weather conditions, had been taken into consideration in scheduling this year's exercise.<br />Kicking off on Sunday, South Korea's drill was swiftly criticized by Japan.<br />Tokyo's foreign ministry called the exercises "unacceptable" and falsely claimed Dokdo is "obviously an inherent part of the territory of Japan.<br />South Korea's expanded two-day exercise includes, for the first time, an Aegis-equipped destroyer and army special forces.<br />
