Japan Continues to Claim Dokdo, Triggering Strong Protests from South Korea

South Korea has repeatedly been the focus of international attention due to territorial disputes with Japan. On February 20th, the South Korean government officially protested after Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi again claimed Dokdo Island as part of Japan’s territory in a foreign policy speech to the Tokyo parliament.

Chronology of South Korea’s Protest and Demands

According to Jin10, the South Korean government demanded that Japan immediately withdraw its controversial statement. In its official response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea emphasized that Dokdo is an integral and inseparable part of South Korea’s sovereignty. Japan’s repeated claims regarding this issue are seen as steps that hinder efforts to build progressive and future-oriented bilateral relations.

Brief History of the Dokdo and Takeshima Dispute

The island called Dokdo by South Korea is known as Takeshima in Japanese. The difference in names reflects the conflicting claims of the two countries over this strategic island. This dispute is not new and has been a sensitive issue in South Korea-Japan relations for decades.

South Korea’s Firm Position Moving Forward

South Korea has issued a clear warning that any provocative actions or repeated claims by Japan will receive a firm and measured response. The government is committed to defending its territorial integrity while maintaining dialogue with its neighboring country, despite ongoing diplomatic challenges related to historical and territorial issues.