Japanese Foreign Minister's Outrageous Claim: "Dokdo is Japan's Sovereign Territory under International Law"

Motegi Toshimitsu, Japanese Foreign Minister [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has sparked controversy by claiming that Dokdo is Japan's inherent territory. This statement contrasts sharply with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's policy speech on the same day, in which he expressed hope for the restoration of relations with South Korea, drawing attention to the background of Motegi's remarks.

In a diplomatic speech delivered at the opening of Japan's 201st regular Diet session, Foreign Minister Motegi stated, "Takeshima is Japan's inherent territory both in light of historical facts and international law," adding, "Based on this fundamental position, we will respond calmly and resolutely." While Japan's claims to Dokdo and the reckless remarks of right-wing politicians are common, Motegi's comments came immediately after Prime Minister Abe's policy speech expressing hope for improved Japan-South Korea relations, causing controversy even within Japan regarding the background of the foreign minister's statement.

Earlier that day, in his policy speech to the Diet, Prime Minister Abe said, "South Korea is originally the most important neighboring country with which we share fundamental values and strategic interests. Therefore, I earnestly hope that we will keep promises between countries and build a future-oriented bilateral relationship." This was the first time in six years, since 2014, that Abe mentioned sharing fundamental values with South Korea in a policy speech. Interpretations differ regarding the foreign minister's provocative remarks on Dokdo immediately following Abe's statement expressing willingness to improve relations. It is understood as a declaration that while Japan expresses a desire to improve relations with South Korea, it will not yield an inch on the issue of territorial sovereignty over Dokdo.

Meanwhile, the Japanese government announced that it will officially open the "Territory and Sovereignty Exhibition Hall" on the 21st in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, which has been expanded more than sevenfold and reopened compared to before, declaring that it will not concede any ground in territorial disputes with neighboring countries. The exhibition hall displays materials promoting Japan's territorial claims not only over Dokdo but also over the Kuril Islands (called the Northern Territories by Japan) disputed with Russia, and the Senkaku Islands (called Diaoyu Islands by China) disputed with China.

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