Repeating Claims Related to Dokdo Through the Diplomatic Blue Book
The Japanese government has stated that it cannot accept South Korea's protest regarding Japan's claim that 'Dokdo is Japanese territory.'
Hayashi Yoshimasa, Chief Cabinet Secretary and spokesperson for the Japanese government, said at a regular press conference on the 16th regarding the South Korean government's protest about Dokdo, "We have already refuted it on the grounds that it cannot be accepted based on Japan's consistent position."
Earlier, Japan stated in the '2024 Diplomatic Bluebook' released that day that "in light of historical facts and international law, Dokdo is inherently Japanese territory." This maintains the claims previously included in the Diplomatic Bluebook. Also, it has included the expression that South Korea is 'illegally occupying' Dokdo for the seventh consecutive year since 2018.
However, Minister Hayashi pointed out that South Korea is an important partner in addressing global issues. He also explained, "Last year, through communication between the heads of state and foreign ministers, we confirmed that cooperation between the two countries on global issues would be further strengthened," and that this was reflected in this year's Diplomatic Bluebook.
Our government, through a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, said, "We strongly protest Japan's repeated unjust territorial claims over Dokdo, which is clearly our inherent territory historically, geographically, and under international law, as stated in the Diplomatic Bluebook released by the Japanese government on the 16th, and urge its immediate withdrawal."
It added, "The government once again makes it clear that any claims by the Japanese government regarding Dokdo, the inherent territory of the Republic of Korea, have no effect whatsoever on our sovereignty," and "We clearly state that we will continue to respond firmly."
On the same day in the morning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Mibae Daisuke, Minister-Counselor of the Embassy of Japan in Korea, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to lodge a protest.
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes the Diplomatic Bluebook every April, recording international affairs and Japan's diplomatic activities. In this year's document, Japan wrote that it "strongly protested and stated that it could never accept" the South Korean Supreme Court's ruling ordering Japanese defendant companies to compensate for forced mobilization damages during the Japanese colonial period.
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