Incheon : , Nov 20, 2018 : .A senior Seoul diplomat stated that South Korea and Japan would continue to have diplomatic discussions, amid renewed tensions between the countries regarding the East Sea islands of Dokdo. Yonhap news agency reports that Choi Jong-kun, the First Vice Foreign Minister, made these remarks after he returned from Washington.He had held discussions with Wendy Sherman and Takeo Muri.
Tensions flared over Dokdo when Mori refused to attend a joint press conference that would have included all three diplomats.This was in protest at the South Korean top police officer’s recent visit to Dokdo.
Choi stated that there is no interruption in the dialogue and consultations between diplomatic officials (of both countries), and that they would continue,” Choi said to reporters at Incheon International Airport west of Seoul.
He said, “We will consult over the issues that require discussion but we will adhere to our principles.”
In a reiterated statement by Seoul, the vice-minister said there was no territorial dispute between South Korea (and Japan) — a repetition of Seoul’s assertion that Dokdo is its inherently territory historicallly, geographically, and under international law.
Dokdo is a constant source of tension among the neighbours.Tokyo still asserts sovereignty in its school textbooks, policy papers and public statements.
Since the liberation of Dokdo from Japan’s 1910-1945 colonial rule, South Korea has had a strong hold on Dokdo with only a few police officers.
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