Japan and South Korea have held their third working-level talks on a military intelligence-sharing agreement.

The draft of the military information agreement was expected to be approved at the meeting. Amid strong objection at home, South Korea's defense ministry defended signing off on the pact, saying the deal will help Seoul counter provocative acts from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The ministry added that Japan is located adjacent to the DPRK and equipped with advanced information-gathering technologies. Opposition parties in South Korea have threatened to impeach the defense minister if the deal is reached.