North Korea is accusing Japan of claiming Dokdo to secure the rich marine resources surrounding the islets in the East Sea.

An editorial in the North's daily Rodong Sinmun on Saturday also accused Japan of trying to use Dokdo as a stepping stone for economic and military gain, to eventually invade the Korean Peninsula again.

The paper called on Asian countries to strengthen cooperation to stop Japan's scheme to dominate the region through economic influence, adding that Tokyo is trying once again to wage aggression in the area.