[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] A public petition on the Blue House website proposing to name a domestic diagnostic kit for COVID-19 as 'Dokdo' has drawn attention, prompting a strong reaction from the Japanese Foreign Minister. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi called the petition a "foolish remark" and stated that he would respond through diplomatic channels.
On the 3rd, Foreign Minister Motegi responded to the comment by LDP lawmaker Yasutaka Nakasone that a petition to name a Korean diagnostic kit 'Dokdo' had been submitted to the Blue House, saying, "Regarding Takeshima (the name Japan claims for Dokdo), based on historical facts and international law, it is Japan's inherent territory, and we will respond calmly and resolutely." He added, "We have proposed an appropriate response to the Korean government through diplomatic channels regarding this matter."
Foreign Minister Motegi said, "We will continue to monitor the situation," and added, "In a situation where the international community must cooperate to overcome COVID-19, we must not cause fractures in international cooperation over other issues."
He also mentioned, "Personally, I do not like the word Dokdo."
Lawmaker Nakasone stated that the petition requesting to name the domestic diagnostic kit 'Dokdo' "cannot be overlooked."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
