Foreign Minister Motegi's "Dokdo is Japan's inherent territory" remark, Foreign Ministry urges "Immediate retraction of unjust claim"

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson: "Dokdo is Our Inherent Territory Clearly Established by History, Geography, and International Law"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Motegi Toshimitsu, Japan's Foreign Minister, who claimed that Dokdo is Japan's inherent territory under international law, to immediately retract his unjust assertion.

On the 20th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a spokesperson's statement strongly protesting the Japanese government's repeated unjust claims regarding Dokdo, our inherent territory, made by the Foreign Minister in his parliamentary diplomatic speech, and demanded an immediate retraction.

Furthermore, the Ministry protested against Japan's futile attempts concerning Dokdo and called for their immediate cessation. The spokesperson stated, "Dokdo is clearly our inherent territory historically, geographically, and under international law," and added, "Our government urges the Japanese government to immediately stop its futile attempts regarding Dokdo and to humbly face history."

In his diplomatic speech at the 201st regular session of the Japanese Diet held that day, Foreign Minister Motegi said, "Takeshima is Japan's inherent territory both historically and under international law," and "Based on this fundamental position, we will respond calmly and resolutely." Although Japan's claims over Dokdo and the reckless remarks of right-wing politicians are common, Motegi's remarks have sparked controversy even within Japan, as they came right after Prime Minister Abe's policy speech expressing hopes for the restoration of Korea-Japan relations.

Earlier that day, in his policy speech to the Diet, Prime Minister Abe said, "South Korea is originally the most important neighboring country with which we share fundamental values and strategic interests. Therefore, I earnestly hope that we keep promises between countries and build a future-oriented bilateral relationship." This was the first time in six years since 2014 that Prime Minister Abe mentioned sharing fundamental values with South Korea in a policy speech. Interpretations vary regarding the Foreign Minister's remarks on Dokdo following Abe's statement expressing willingness to improve relations. It is understood as a declaration of intent to improve relations with South Korea while firmly maintaining Japan's stance on the Dokdo sovereignty issue without any concession.

Meanwhile, the Japanese government announced that it will officially reopen on the 21st the "Territory and Sovereignty Exhibition Hall" in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, which has been expanded more than sevenfold compared to before, signaling that it will not yield an inch in territorial sovereignty disputes with neighboring countries. The exhibition hall displays materials promoting Japan's territorial claims not only over Dokdo but also over the Kuril Islands (called the Northern Territories by Japan) disputed with Russia, and the Senkaku Islands (called Diaoyu Islands by China) disputed with China.