South Korea ‘strongly protests’ Japan’s renewed claim over disputed islets

ISTANBUL

South Korea on Friday “strongly protested” Japan’s renewed claim that the disputed islets are "an inherent part" of its territory.

The islets are “South Korea’s inherent territory in terms of history, geography, and international law,” said South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman Lee Jae-woong, adding that such claims would not contribute to improving relations between Tokyo and Seoul.

He called on Japan to withdraw its assertion.

Earlier on Friday, Japan's Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi said: “Takeshima is an inherent part of Japan’s territory, based on historical facts and international law."

"Japan will address the issue resolutely, in accordance with this consistent position,” he told parliament.

Japan refers to the islets as Takeshima, claiming them as part of its territory, while Seoul calls them Dokdo.

The islets have been under South Korea's administration, with a South Korean coastguard unit stationed there since 1954.