Japanese Prime Minister’s Comments Claiming Dokdo as Japanese Territory Causes Tension with South Korea

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi is simply restating what has been Japan’s government position for many decades, but this is still a stupid reason to cause tension with an important neighbor. It is even more unwise to bring this issue to the forefront at a time when China is flexing its economic and military might against Japan:

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reiterated on the 9th that “Takeshima (竹島, the name Japan claims for Dokdo) is Japanese territory,” prompting the presidential office to directly refute the claim, stating, “Dokdo is clearly our inherent territory historically, geographically, and under international law.”

At the Japanese House of Representatives Budget Committee meeting held that day, Prime Minister Takaichi responded to remarks by Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Takami Yasuhiro, who stated, “Takeshima in Shimane Prefecture remains under illegal occupation by South Korea,” by asserting, “Takeshima is clearly our country’s (Japan’s) inherent territory, both historically and under international law,” and added, “We aim to actively convey messages to ensure accurate understanding of our position both domestically and internationally.”

In response, the presidential office immediately refuted the claim the same day. A source from the presidential office, when asked about the position regarding Prime Minister Takaichi’s remarks, stated, “There is no territorial dispute over Dokdo,” and emphasized, “Dokdo is clearly our inherent territory historically, geographically, and under international law.”

This is reportedly the first time since President Lee Jae-myung’s inauguration that the presidential office has taken a strong stance on issues where the two countries are at odds.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Takaichi has consistently asserted that Dokdo belongs to Japan. During the Liberal Democratic Party leadership election on the 27th of last month, she stated, “Wouldn’t it be better for a minister to confidently attend Takeshima Day?” and added, “There is no need to be cautious.” The Japanese government has sent a parliamentary vice-minister, a junior ministerial-level official, to Takeshima Day for 13 consecutive years from 2013 to this year.

Chosun Ilbo

You can read more at the link, but Dokdo is one of the few issues where the Korean right and left will rally around against Japan. Dokdo will never be given up by Korea. Maybe the Dokdo issue needs Trump the peacemaker to settle?