Gov't Expresses Regret over Japan's Proposal on Dokdo Issue

The government has expressed regret over Japan’s proposal to send the Dokdo issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), urging Tokyo to immediately halt groundless claims over the islets.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Cho Tae-young told a regular news briefing on Tuesday that the Dokdo islets are South Korea’s sovereign territory historically, geographically and under international laws, stressing a territorial dispute over Dokdo doesn't exist.

The spokesman also dismissed Japan’s proposal that Seoul and Tokyo enter into an arbitration process in line with a memorandum on conflict resolution the two sides signed in 1965.

Tokyo sent an official diplomatic letter Tuesday evening to propose a referral of the Dokdo issue to the international court. Seoul plans to respond to Tokyo in a diplomatic letter refuting Japan’s claim and clarifying its position on the proposal.