This aerial file photo, taken Sept. 2, 2021, shows South Korea’s easternmost islets of Dokdo. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jun. 12 (Korea Bizwire) — The foreign ministry on Wednesday dismissed Japan’s renewed protest over Seoul’s routine maritime survey near the East Sea islets of Dokdo, emphasizing a firm stance against “unjust claims.”
On Tuesday, Japan’s foreign ministry lodged a complaint through diplomatic channels, demanding an immediate halt to the maritime survey conducted by the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency around the rocky islets. A similar complaint was lodged last Thursday.
In response, Seoul’s foreign ministry said the maritime survey is a legitimate activity, emphasizing that Dokdo is indisputably South Korean territory historically, geographically and under international law.
“Japan’s unjust claim over Dokdo, which is our inherent territory, will be met with a resolute response,” a ministry official said on the condition of anonymity, adding the South Korean government cannot accept any claims by Japan concerning territorial sovereignty.
Dokdo has long been a recurring source of tension between the two neighbors, as Tokyo continues to assert its sovereignty claims in policy papers, public statements and school textbooks. Tokyo also lodges a complaint every time Seoul conducts regular maritime surveys.
The agency dispatches a research vessel regularly to monitor ocean currents and measure sea temperatures using sonar technology as part of its ongoing maritime surveys.
In April, Japan also filed a complaint through the diplomatic channels after a group of lawmakers, including Cho Kuk, the leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, visited the islets.
South Korea maintains a small police detachment on the islets, effectively controlling them.
(Yonhap)
