The Facts
Japan’s Foreign Ministry is protesting the South Korean embassy in Tokyo and South Korea’s foreign ministry over military drills practicing the defense of disputed islands. South Korea controls the islands, which it calls Dokdo, while Japan also claims authority over the islets, which it calls Takeshima.
A South Korean military source told the Yonhap News Agency Friday that it conducted its standard defense drill near the islands in mid-December. South Korea conducts island defense exercises twice every year near the disputed territories.
The Spin
Narrative A
The Takeshima islands are — and have always been — part of Japan, and there is rich historical evidence dating back to the 1600s showing Japan's rightful claims. In addition to the robust history linking Japan to Takeshima, international treaties clearly established Japan incorporated Takeshima more than a century ago. Time and again, national and foreign entities have recognized Japan’s rightful control of the islands, and there should be no debate about to whom the territories belong.
Narrative B
While Japan claims that it has controlled the Dokdo islands for centuries, the fact is that Tokyo has continuously rewritten history, making false claims about its connection to the islands. Japan defies international orders and only publicizes its own rulings on the issue, and it has used its imperial might to push a false narrative and undermine Korea’s rightful control of Dokdo. South Korea has every right to defend its land — and that includes Dokdo — and Japan must stop lying about the territory.