The South Korean government responds to Sanae Takaichi's remarks: Will firmly and strictly address Japan's inappropriate comments regarding Dokdo

On the 13th, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would respond firmly and with due seriousness to remarks by Japan’s Prime Minister Takachi Sanae concerning Dokdo (referred to as “Takeshima” by Japan). The South Korean government, it added, would resolutely and properly handle any inappropriate claims made by Japan regarding Dokdo’s sovereignty.

In a statement, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “We will resolutely and with due seriousness respond to any inappropriate claims by Japan concerning Dokdo… Dokdo, from the perspectives of history, geography, and international law, is an unequivocal and clear part of our territory.”

The report noted that the day before, Takachi Sanae said that by dispatching cabinet officials to attend the “Dokdo Day” event, conditions would be created so that the international community would clearly recognize that Dokdo belongs to Japan.

On the 20th of last month, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously issued a statement expressing strong protest over Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimichi Motegi’s claim that Dokdo belongs to Japan, urging him to withdraw the relevant remarks. On the 22nd of the same month, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued another statement expressing strong protest over Japan’s Shimane Prefecture holding a so-called “Dokdo Day” event and repeatedly asserting sovereignty over Dokdo.

Dokdo is located in the eastern waters of the Korean Peninsula and has an area of about 0.18 square kilometers. South Korea, North Korea, and Japan all claim sovereignty over the island. At present, South Korea has de facto control over the island. (Yonhap News)