On Sunday, the Japanese Foreign Ministry complained about South Korea’s recent marine survey near the Takeshima islets in the Sea of Japan, claimed by Japan but under control of South Korea.
The Japanese government claims that this behavior of South Korea increases tensions between the two nations and compromises the initiatives aiming at strengthening bilateral ties. Long a cause of territorial conflict between the two countries, the Takeshima islets—known as Dokdo in South Korea—have long caused problems.
South Korea contends that part of its regular marine operations and that the survey was carried out inside its exclusive economic zone. Japan, on the other hand, sees this poll as a unilateral step contradicting the collaboration attitude between the two nations.
“This act by South Korea is absolutely regrettable and unacceptable,” a Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesman remarked. “We strongly urge South Korea to stop these surveys and engage in dialogue to resolve this issue peacefully by diplomatic channels.”
With both nations offering historical and legal proof to back up their claims, the argument over the sovereignty of the Takeshima Islands stretches decades. Based on historical records and physical closeness, the Japanese government insists that the islets are a natural part of its territory. Conversely, South Korea contends that the islets are naturally part of its territory and that it has essentially controlled them since the 1950s.
Emphasizing the intricacy of the problem, Korea University’s international relations professor Jin Pyo Kim advises that rigorous study of past events and a readiness to compromise would help to resolve it.
Professor Kim added, “Both Japan and South Korea need to engage in constructive dialogue and explore various avenues for negotiation if they are to find a mutually acceptable solution.” “It is in the interest of both countries to find a peaceful settlement that respects the concerns and aspirations of either party.”
Past efforts have been directed toward a settlement for the Takeshima conflict, but development has been slow, mostly because of the ingrained political and historical conflicts between the two nations.
The latest South Korean marine survey close to the Takeshima Islands is anticipated to aggravate already delicate ties between Japan and South Korea. It is impossible to overestimate the significance of a diplomatic resolution to this problem, as it not only influences the two immediately engaged countries but also has more general consequences for regional security.
It is still to be seen how both nations will negotiate this most recent obstacle and whether they will be able to mend their divisions amicably. As tensions continue to rise, the world community will be closely watching the events and hoping for a peaceful resolution to this long-standing territorial conflict.
