Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Japanese Government Must Immediately Withdraw Unjust Claims on Dokdo"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 17th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly protested and demanded the retraction of the speech by Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa, who claimed that "Takeshima (竹島, the name Japan uses for Dokdo) is Japan's inherent territory."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "The Japanese government must immediately cease its futile claims and attempts regarding Dokdo, which is clearly our inherent territory from historical, geographical, and international law perspectives, and must clearly recognize that a correct understanding of history is the foundation for the future-oriented development of Korea-Japan relations."

On the 17th, Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa said in his regular parliamentary foreign affairs speech, "Takeshima is Japan's inherent territory both historically and under international law," and added, "Based on this fundamental position, we will respond resolutely." This marks the ninth consecutive year that the Japanese Foreign Minister has used the format of the New Year's regular parliamentary foreign affairs speech to assert sovereignty over Dokdo.