Japan criticizes Navy defense drill

The Navy carried out a gunnery exercise in waters near the Dokdo islets in the East Sea yesterday, rejecting Japan’s request Thursday not to conduct the drill as it overlaps with a maritime zone the island nation claims.

The exercise came after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un paid a visit to a North Korean submarine unit. The South Korean Navy said it released information about the drill, which is conducted annually but not usually publicized, as a measure against heightened threat from Pyongyang.

“The drill is intended to deliver a strong message after Pyongyang made provocative comments recently,” said a Navy officer. “But it is a typical gunnery practice that is carried out every year.”

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