Defense Minister Lee Sang-hee appears to be cautious about stationing troops on the Dokdo islets. He said it is an option to protect the nation’s territory, but it would require long-term, strategic consideration.

Lee said the military has a plan to send forces to Dokdo if threats increase. But he added that the stationing of troops would cause military tension with Japan, resulting in the possible classification of Dokdo as an international conflict region.

The rocky islets are currently being guarded by police.