The Washington Post published a report on the Dokdo islets on its front page on Saturday, shedding light on the recent territorial spat between South Korea and Japan.

Chico Harlan of the U.S. newspaper made an account of the islets after a visit to the region with the aid of the government. Harlan reported that a South Korean fisherman and his wife and 45 security guards inhabit the island. The reporter also mentioned all three South Korean telecommunications companies provide 3G mobile phone service on the islets.

The Washington Post also mentioned South Korea’s stance on the islets, saying Japan strong-armed the annexation of the islets after "forcing Korea to revoke its diplomatic rights and used the island as a staging ground for its war with Russia.”

Regarding the report, Japanese broadcaster NHK said South Korea had given foreign media special privileges to visit Dokdo in a time of frigid diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan.