South Korea's presidential office says the annual maritime defense exercise in the East Sea 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 exercise 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 for this year's exercise.<br />South Korea's drill was swiftly criticized by Japan.<br />Tokyo's foreign ministry called the exercises "unacceptable" and falsely claimed Dokdo is "an inherent part of the territory of Japan.<br />
