Seoul has strongly protested Japan’s renewed claim to the Dokdo islets, also known as Takeshima in Japan, summoning a high-ranking Japanese diplomat to express its discontent. The move comes after Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi reiterated Tokyo’s claim to the islands during a parliamentary speech, a recurring annual event that strains relations between the two nations. The dispute over Dokdo, a group of small islets in the Sea of Japan (East Sea), has been a longstanding source of tension between South Korea and Japan, impacting broader geopolitical dynamics in East Asia.
The South Korean Foreign Ministry released a statement Friday, February 20, 2026, condemning Motegi’s remarks as “unjust” and demanding an immediate retraction. The ministry emphasized that Dokdo is unequivocally South Korean territory historically, geographically, and under international law, and that Japan’s continued claims do not contribute to building a future-oriented relationship. This latest protest underscores the sensitivity surrounding historical and territorial issues that continue to complicate South Korea-Japan relations, despite ongoing efforts to foster cooperation on security and economic fronts.
Kim Sang-hoon, director general for Asia-Pacific affairs at Seoul’s foreign ministry, formally lodged the complaint with Hirotaka Matsuo, deputy chief of mission at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul. According to the Korea Times, Matsuo arrived at the South Korean foreign ministry on Friday to receive the protest. This isn’t the first time a Japanese foreign minister has made such a claim in a parliamentary speech; it has been a consistent practice for the past decade, consistently triggering diplomatic friction with Seoul.
Dokdo/Takeshima: A History of Dispute
The Dokdo islets, consisting of two main islands and numerous smaller rocks, have been administered by South Korea since 1945, following the end of World War II. Japan, however, maintains that its claim predates this, asserting historical rights to the territory. Yonhap News Agency reported that Hirotaka Matsuo was also summoned to the foreign ministry on February 22, 2026, further demonstrating Seoul’s seriousness regarding the issue. The islets hold strategic significance, particularly concerning fishing rights and potential maritime resources, though their economic value is debated.
Regional Implications and International Law
The dispute over Dokdo is not merely a bilateral issue; it has broader implications for regional stability and international relations. South Korea views Japan’s claims as a challenge to its sovereignty and a reflection of unresolved historical grievances stemming from Japan’s colonial rule over Korea from 1910 to 1945. Japan, for its part, argues its claim is based on historical evidence and international law, though this interpretation is strongly contested by South Korea. The situation is further complicated by the presence of the United States, a key ally to both countries, which maintains a neutral stance on the sovereignty dispute.
Recent Developments and Diplomatic Efforts
The latest protest follows a pattern of annual claims by Japanese officials. MSN News reported that Motegi referred to the islets as Takeshima during his parliamentary speech, vowing a resolute government response. Despite the ongoing dispute, both countries have engaged in diplomatic efforts to manage the situation and prevent it from escalating. However, these efforts have been hampered by the persistent disagreement over Dokdo and other historical issues. On February 22, 2026, Matsuo Hirotaka, minister and deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of Japan in Korea, arrived at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Seoul, as reported by Biz Chosun.
Looking ahead, It’s likely that Japan will continue to assert its claim to Dokdo, and South Korea will continue to vehemently oppose it. The next procedural step will likely involve further diplomatic exchanges and potentially, continued protests. The long-term impact of this dispute on South Korea-Japan relations remains uncertain, but it underscores the importance of addressing historical grievances and finding a mutually acceptable solution to the territorial issue.
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