Japan Provokes 'Dokdo' Again... Ministry of Foreign Affairs Urges "Immediate Closure" of Expanded 'Territory and Sovereignty Exhibition Hall'

Foreign Minister Motegi's "Dokdo is Japan's inherent territory" remark
Charg? d'affaires of the Japanese Embassy in Korea summoned, strong regret conveyed

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The government strongly protested against Japan's expansion and reopening of the "Territory and Sovereignty Exhibition Hall" and the remarks made by Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu, who stated in a speech that "Dokdo is Japan's inherent territory." The government summoned officials from the Japanese Embassy in Korea to express its regret. This action was taken based on the judgment that Japan's government is going against the will to improve bilateral issues expressed at last year's Korea-China-Japan summit and last week's Korea-US-Japan foreign ministers' meeting.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 21st, the government strongly protested the distorted content related to Dokdo in the "Territory and Sovereignty Exhibition Hall," which is reopening after expansion, and demanded its immediate closure. In addition, Kim Jeong-han, Director of the Asia-Pacific Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, summoned Soma Hirohisa, Minister-Counselor of the Japanese Embassy in Korea, on the afternoon of the previous day to convey strong regret.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially through a spokesperson's statement, urged the withdrawal and closure of Foreign Minister Motegi's diplomatic speech and the expansion and reopening of the "Territory and Sovereignty Exhibition Hall." Spokesperson Kim said, "Since the opening of the Territory and Sovereignty Exhibition Hall in 2018, our government has repeatedly urged the immediate closure of the exhibition hall. Nevertheless, it is deeply regrettable that the Japanese government is expanding and reopening it," adding, "We clearly state once again that we will firmly respond to any provocation against Dokdo, which is our inherent territory, clear historically, geographically, and under international law."

The "Territory and Sovereignty 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) and the Senkaku Islands (called Diaoyu Islands by China), which are disputed with Russia and China respectively.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Motegi said in his diplomatic speech, "Dokdo (called Takeshima by Japan) is Japan's inherent territory both historically and under international law," and added, "Based on this fundamental position, we will respond calmly and resolutely." Although such outrageous remarks from Japan are common, this time it caused greater repercussions as it came right after Prime Minister Abe Shinzo's policy speech expressing hopes for the restoration of Korea-Japan relations.

Kim In-cheol, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, "We strongly protest the Japanese government's repeated unjust claims regarding Dokdo, our inherent territory, through the Foreign Minister's parliamentary diplomatic speech, and demand its immediate withdrawal."