On August 4, 2026, South Korean media Yonhap News reported that the Japanese government announced its 2026 edition of the Defense White Paper.

According to the article, in the Defense White Paper, South Korea was positioned for the third consecutive year as "an important neighboring country that should cooperate as a partner on various issues in the international community." Regarding security cooperation with South Korea, it explained that "the importance of cooperation is increasing" due to issues such as the North Korean problem and maritime security. As examples of cooperation, it introduced the Japan-ROK defense ministers' meeting in September last year, and the first landing of the South Korean Air Force's aerobatic team "Black Eagles" at an Air Self-Defense Force base for refueling.

On the other hand, it stated that "territorial issues concerning the Northern Territories and Takeshima, which are inherent territories of our country, still remain unresolved," and for the 22nd consecutive year, it described Takeshima (Korean name: Dokdo), which is effectively controlled by South Korea, as "Japan's inherent territory." The description of the area around Takeshima as Japan's territorial waters was also maintained on maps of the surrounding seas.

Furthermore, China was positioned as "the greatest strategic challenge ever," and strong vigilance was shown regarding the expansion of military activities around Taiwan and in the East China Sea, in addition to expressing concern about the progress of military cooperation between North Korea, China, and Russia.

Moreover, based on the invasion of Ukraine, it indicated the view that "the possibility of similar serious situations occurring in East Asia cannot be ruled out," and emphasized the importance of strengthening defense-related production and foundational technologies to enhance response to "new ways of fighting" utilizing AI and drones.

The article stated about Takeshima, "The South Korean government maintains its position that Japan's claims are unacceptable."

Regarding this, South Korean netizens commented: "It's the same content every year. I'm not surprised anymore," "What Japan says and what it does are always different," "It's true that Japan and South Korea need to cooperate, but history and territorial issues are separate," "It's contradictory to call us a partner while saying Dokdo is Japanese territory," "Can we be 'partners' with a country that doesn't reflect on its aggression?" and "Even if we're called partners, we can't concede an inch on the Takeshima issue."

On the other hand, some comments included: "Apart from territorial issues, I want to evaluate the stance of continuing security cooperation," "Both Japan and South Korea should prioritize practical cooperation over emotional conflicts," "They probably want to maintain improved relations with South Korea, keeping China and North Korea in mind," and "Considering the response to China and North Korea, stabilizing Japan-ROK relations is important."