
TOKYO, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Japan on Monday asserted its claims over the disputed islets in the Sea of Japan during a ceremony, drawing a harsh backlash from South Korea.
The annual ceremony known in Japan as "Takeshima Day," held every Feb. 22 since 2006, immediately drew a staunch backlash from Seoul who strongly protested against the holding of the ceremony and maintained the islets belonged to South Korea.
The islets, known as Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan, are claimed by both sides.
South Korea rebuked the holding of the ceremony and Japan's claims over the islets with the South Korean Foreign Ministry saying in a statement that the holding of the ceremony and the attendance of Japanese officials was a useless provocation over the islets and should be stopped immediately.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses