takesima

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

JCP chair urges government to take initiative for diplomatic resolution of differences concerning disputed island: Takeshima

The South Korean government is displeased by the Japanese government planning to carry out a maritime survey of Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that includes waters surrounding Takeshima ('Tokdo' as it is called by South Korea), a disputed island that lies between Japan and South Korea.

The dispute arose when the Japanese government announced its plan to collect data in preparation for a counter-argument against South Korea's move to register a South Korean name for the undersea area with the International Hydrographic Organization at its meeting in June in Germany.

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on April 20 commented on this issue and published the following view at a news conference:

"I'm very concerned about the developments. Violent conflicts must be avoided by all means. I urge the two governments to resolve the difference through unperturbed diplomatic negotiations.

In Asia, Japan has two territorial disputes, Takeshima and the Senkaku Islands. Takeshima is under the effective control of the other party, and the Senkaku Islands are under the effective control of Japan. Japan is thus experiencing two different situations.

I believe it important for Japan to abide by the diplomatic rules applicable to both situations in order to resolve the situation. I want the government to have the awareness that Japan is in a position to be able to take the initiative in finding a diplomatic settlement and to make a positive response."

Note: The Japanese government claims territorial rights over Takeshima and the Senkaku Islands.

Takeshima has been under the effective control of South Korea since South Korea in 1952 established the Syngman Rhee Line to bar Japanese fishing boats and issued a declaration of sovereignty over seas that include Takeshima.

The Senkaku Islands were inhabited by Japanese nationals and have been under Japan's effective control since the Japanese government incorporated them into its territory in 1895. The Chinese government has been claiming territorial rights over the Senkaku Islands since 1971.
- Akahata, April 21, 2006