Japan requests suspension of South Korea's Ministry of Maritime Affairs real-time Dokdo video, claiming "Japan's inherent territory"

Photo by Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] It has been reported that the Japanese government expressed "extreme regret" over South Korea's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries operating the 'Dokdo Comprehensive Information System,' which provides real-time video footage of Dokdo.

According to major Japanese media, on the afternoon of the 5th, Takehiro Funakoshi, Director of the Asia and Oceania Bureau at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, conveyed this position of the Japanese government via phone to Kim Yong-gil, Political Minister at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Japan.

Earlier, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on the same day that it would operate the Dokdo Comprehensive Information System from the 6th, providing real-time video of Dokdo so that citizens can view it from anywhere. This system also offers information on Dokdo's history and related scientific data.

Director Funakoshi reiterated Japan's claim of sovereignty, stating to Minister Kim, "Dokdo is clearly Japan's inherent territory both in light of historical facts and international law." He then protested, saying, "South Korea's response this time is absolutely unacceptable and extremely regrettable," and demanded the suspension of the project.

Minister Kim reportedly rejected Japan's demands, emphasizing to Director Funakoshi that Dokdo is clearly South Korea's inherent territory from historical, geographical, and international law perspectives, which is the consistent position of the South Korean government.