Presidential Office: "Dokdo Is Clearly Our Territory"

Takaichi's Claim That "Takeshima Is Japanese Territory" Met With Direct Rebuttal

On December 9, the Presidential Office stated regarding Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's claim that Dokdo is Japanese territory, "Dokdo is clearly our inherent territory from historical, geographical, and international law perspectives, and there is no territorial dispute over Dokdo."

The office added, "We will respond firmly and sternly to any unjust claims by Japan regarding Dokdo."

Dokdo panorama. Photo by Yonhap News

This is effectively the first time the Presidential Office has taken such a strong stance on an issue of contention between the two countries since President Lee Jaemyung took office.

On this day, Prime Minister Takaichi, responding to a question from a Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker during the Japanese House of Representatives Budget Committee, stated, "Takeshima (the name Japan uses for Dokdo) is clearly our country's (Japan's) inherent territory, both in terms of historical facts and under international law."

Diplomatic circles have analyzed that this could place a burden on the ongoing cooperative stance between the two countries since President Lee took office.

It has been reported that the Presidential Office is considering President Lee's visit to Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan-Prime Minister Takaichi's hometown-next month for a summit meeting.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.