Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Protest against a description of Dokdo in the National Security Strategy of Japan

In response to a description in the Japan’s National Security Strategy stating that Dokdo Island, which is territory of the Republic of Korea, is disputed territory between the nations, the International Policy Bureau of the Ministry of National Defense summoned Takao Nakashima, a military attache of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force on December 16, and lodged strong protest, requesting that the description be corrected and suspended immediately.

The International Policy Bureau made clear the Republic of Korea’s existing position that there is no territorial dispute over Dokdo Island and that it is not an object for any negotiation or judicial settlement.

At the same time, the bureau emphasized again that Dokdo Island is the inherent territory of the Republic of Korea historically, geographically, and according to international laws, and stated clearly that the Republic of Korea will firmly deal with any attempt of Japan to damage the sovereignty of the island.