politics

S Korea blasts Gemba for remarks on disputed isles

12 Comments

South Korea on Wednesday harshly criticized Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba for his remarks on disputed isles in the Sea of Japan.

In a speech to the Diet on Tuesday, Gemba said he will be firm in telling South Korea that Japan cannot accept Seoul's claim to the isles which are known as Dokdo in Korean and Takeshima in Japan.

"The Korean government strongly protests the remarks by Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba that raise claims of unfair sovereignty over Dokdo," South Korean foreign ministry spokesman Cho Byung-jae said in a statement, Yonhap reported. He called for Gemba to withdraw the remarks.

"Dokdo is Korean territory historically, geographically and under international law. The Korean government will firmly deal with any attempt to undermine Korea's sovereignty over Dokdo," Yonhap quoted Cho as saying.

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12 Comments
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Ugh, this just never ends. Less jingoistic idiots in government please.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

International law is trumped by Japanese opinion by the Diet though.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

International law is trumped by Japanese opinion by the Diet though.

That's what I mean. Japanese politicians are so jingoistic, 'face' is more important than anything so that's why they'll ignore international law... except when it favours Japan of course. Japan has Asperger's syndrome, hugely successful, but can't relate to countries around it.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

It is concerning that disputed islands like these might become seeds of war should an overly nationalistic leader slip into office in any of these nations. Would it be too much to just let them be, pursue joint development agreements or sell them entirely to a less territorially privileged nation?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

"In a speech to the Diet on Tuesday, Gemba said he will be firm in telling South Korea that Japan cannot accept Seoul’s claim to the isles which are known as Dokdo in Korean and Takeshima in Japan."

It doesn't matter if Japan can accept Seoul's claims or not, Seoul is correct on the issue, and as time progresses the more this issue plays into SKorea's hands. They live on and administer the islands year around. Japan can't have it one way in ONE island row and then demand something else for another.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

How typically Japanese, saying Japan cannot accept Seoul's claim yet doing EXACTLY what S Korea is doing when it comes to its other territorial disputes. Japan would have to be one of the most hypocritical countries going around, do as we say not as we do. Unfortunately for Japan they no longer are in control of Korea so the Koreans can happily tell the Japanese to take a long walk off a short pier. And would be well within their rights to do so.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Japan has to let this one go. The islands have been administered and lived on by South Korea for ages! I am usually pro-Japan on important issues as long as they make sense.... but this is outright nonsense!!! The islands are Korean, period andmuch like the Kurils, they will never be Japanese. Get over it Japan...and Oginome, you're right about the Asperger's syndrome.... I've often wondered why Japanese seem to have this "we are superior" complex in such a non-chalant kind of way. My wife is Japanese and naturally have many Japanese friends and sometimes they shock me with some of the things they say. Ridiculous!!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Why does it bother the government of the Republic of Korea that Japan claims these rocks? They have full control over them. Do they think Japan will invade them? Does Korea view Japan as a foe? Does Korea want Japan to become a foe with all that comes with it?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Yuri

in my opinion, this is one of performances on both govs. Korean gov doesnt need those tiny rocks so much, but using them for gaining their people's popularity by anti-japan sentiment. as for japan gov, they dont hate that korean gov spends a lot of money for constructing military things on the rocks, they expect that constructions are effective against rising chinese military power.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Dokdo is Korean territory historically, geographically and under international law. The Korean government will firmly deal with any attempt to undermine Korea’s sovereignty over Dokdo."

Is this really true? Why your country does not take this case to international court in The Hague.

Why???

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Japan has twice tried to settle this dispute at the ICJ. South Korea has refused twice. Yet they get bent out of shape over issues like this. If they acted like adults and settled it in court they wouldn't have to get bent out of shape.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

ICJ. LOL. If some bum comes up to you and claims to own your car, you don't entertain his claim over your property in arbitration or court of law. Even acknowledging the claim is against your ownership of your car. You can stand on Ullungdo and stare at Dokdo and even Japanese maps made during occupation period shows these islands to be marked as being part of Korea. :/

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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