The Dokdo Dispute Continues to Create Bilateral Tensions Between South Korea and Japan

South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official protest on February 20 in response to Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi’s statement. In his foreign policy speech in parliament, Motegi reiterated Japan’s claim that Dokdo—the island disputed under the name Takeshima in Japanese—is Japanese territory. According to Jin10, Seoul considers this claim a provocative move that harms efforts to build constructive cooperation.

Official Protest and Call for Withdrawal of Statement

The South Korean government urged Japan to officially retract the statement made in the legislative forum. In its diplomatic response, Seoul clearly emphasized that Dokdo is an integral part of South Korea’s territory, from both a historical and international legal perspective. South Korea views Japan’s repeated claims as unhelpful to the development of progressive and mutually respectful bilateral relations.

Firm Commitment Against Provocations

Seoul announced a firm commitment to respond decisively to any provocative actions or additional claims from Japan in the future. Tensions over the ownership of Dokdo have become one of the most sensitive geopolitical issues in East Asia, with both countries maintaining opposing positions for a long time. This diplomatic protest demonstrates that South Korea will not back down on the island’s ownership issue, which is considered strategic and historically significant to its national identity.