(LEAD) S. Korea 'strongly' protests Japan's renewed claim to Dokdo, urging 'immediate withdrawal'

On Tuesday, August 4, South Korea's foreign ministry lodged a strong protest against Japan following the renewal of Japanese territorial claims to the disputed islands known as Dokdo in South Korea.

Seoul officials strongly condemned the renewed claims and formally urged their immediate withdrawal by the Japanese government. The diplomatic friction centers on the sovereignty of the islets, which are controlled by South Korea but also claimed by Japan.