The Korean military will conduct a one-day military drill in waters near the Dokdo islets later this month. Officers say the bi-annual drill involving the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard aims to strengthen defense capability against infiltration into waters near Korea's easternmost islets.

The exercise comes after Japan reiterated a dubious territorial claim to the islets in its latest defense white paper, and the military hopes the drill shows Seoul's firm stance against it.

The drill is scheduled for Aug. 13, two days ahead of Korea's Liberation Day, which marks its independence from Japan's 35-year colonial rule.