The foreign ministry on Friday dismissed Japan’s renewed protest over Seoul’s routine maritime survey near the East Sea islets of Dokdo, saying that the move is a “legitimate” activity.

On Thursday, Japan’s foreign ministry lodged a complaint through diplomatic and embassy channels, demanding an immediate halt to the maritime survey conducted by the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency around the rocky islets. Tokyo argued that Seoul had not sought prior consent for the survey.

In response, Seoul’s foreign ministry said the maritime survey is a “legitimate” activity, emphasizing that Dokdo is indisputably South Korean territory historically, geographically, and under international law.

“The government cannot accept Japan’s objections to activities conducted in accordance with international law and relevant domestic regulations,” a ministry official said on the condition of anonymity, adding that the government has rejected Japan’s “inappropriate” claims through diplomatic channels.

Dokdo has long
been a recurring source of tension between the two neighbors, as Tokyo continues to assert its sovereignty claims in policy papers, public statements, and school textbooks. Tokyo also lodges a complaint every time Seoul conducts regular maritime surveys.

The agency dispatches a research vessel regularly to monitor ocean currents and measure sea temperatures using sonar technology as part of its ongoing maritime surveys.

In April, Japan also filed a complaint through the diplomatic channels after a group of lawmakers, including Cho Kuk, the leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, visited the islets.

South Korea maintains a small police detachment on the islets, effectively controlling them.

Source: Yonhap News Agency