South Korea expresses strong opposition to Japan’s celebration of disputed islands
In a move escalating tensions between South Korea and Japan, the foreign ministry of South Korea protested a government event held by Japan’s Shimane Prefecture in commemoration of the Takeshima Islands. The ministry emphasized its deep objection to the ceremony and called for Japan to immediately discontinue such proceedings.
The tiny islets known as Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan have been at the center of disputes between the two countries since the late 19th century, when they became a matter of contention following Japan’s colonial rule over the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945. Relations remain strained due to these historical disputes.
In a statement released by the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials condemned Japan’s actions as an unwarranted assertion of sovereignty and urged Tokyo to relinquish its groundless claims. Seoul maintains that Dokdo is unequivocally sovereign territory under historical, geographical, and international law.
The ministry dispatched a high-level diplomat to Seoul to lodge this protest. However, Japanese authorities declined to comment on the matter due to unavailability at multiple levels, including Japan’s foreign ministry and Prime Minister’s Office. A cabinet member was not present for the event either.
South Korea has consistently challenged Japan’s territorial claims over these islands, with the latest incident arising from a statement by Japan’s foreign minister asserting Japanese sovereignty during parliamentary remarks.
The disputed area is strategically important as it lies in fertile fishing grounds and could potentially hold significant natural gas hydrate deposits worth billions of dollars.