This week on December 9, the Republic of Korea presidential office reaffirmed that the easternmost islets of Dokdo are unequivocally South Korean territory. This response came after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s renewed claim over the islets, called Takeshima in Japan, during a session of the House of Representatives Budget Committee in Tokyo.
A senior presidential official in Seoul dismissed Takaichi’s remarks, stressing that "Dokdo is an integral part of Korean territory historically, geographically and under international law." He added that the ROK will "sternly and firmly respond to Japan’s unjust claims over Dokdo."
The dispute has deep roots: Dokdo was the first territory forcibly occupied by Japan during its 1910–1945 colonization of the Korean Peninsula. After liberation, Seoul restored sovereignty and has maintained effective control ever since, with a small police detachment stationed on the islets.
According to Yonhap, this marks the first strong reaction from President Lee Jae-myung’s administration since he took office in June 2025. South Koreans view Japan’s territorial claims as a denial of colonial history and a challenge to their national identity.
As tensions simmer, both sides are keeping a close eye on international support. For now, the ROK remains steadfast: Dokdo is theirs, and they’re not backing down. ✊🇰🇷
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ROK reaffirms sovereignty over Dokdo against Japanese PM's claim
cgtn.com
