Japan Reiterates "Korea is a Partner" Expression Again This Year… "Dokdo is Japanese Territory" in Diplomatic White Paper

The Japanese government has repeated its existing stance that "Dokdo is Japanese territory" this year as well.

On the 8th, Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi presented the '2025 Diplomatic White Paper' containing this information during an open cabinet meeting.

The diplomatic white paper is an annual report published by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs every April, addressing the recent international situation and Japan's diplomatic activities overall.

Japan has claimed that Dokdo is "Japan's inherent territory under international law, considering historical facts," and this content has been included once again.

Furthermore, regarding the damages lawsuits filed by victims of the forced mobilization during the Japanese colonial period, Japan's government indicated that it will not accept compensation responsibility by stating that the South Korean government "expressed its intention to make payments in accordance with a third-party reimbursement method."

The so-called third-party reimbursement method refers to a structure where the Foundation for Victims of Forced Mobilization during the Japanese Colonial Period, under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, collects private donations to pay the confirmed compensation amounts and delayed interest to victims instead of Japanese companies.

Following last year, the diplomatic white paper this year also referred to Korea as a 'partner,' showcasing an attitude that values the relationship.

It stated, "Korea is an important neighboring country with which we must cooperate as partners in addressing various global challenges."

Additionally, following Korea's state of emergency in December last year, the importance of close cooperation among Korea-Japan and Korea-U.S.-Japan was emphasized through meetings between the foreign ministers of the two countries in January.

Meanwhile, Lee Cheol-woo, Governor of Gyeongbuk Province, released a statement on the 8th, strongly protesting against Japan's repeated historical distortions and unjust territorial claims over Dokdo, stating, "Withdraw immediately."

He further asserted, "Dokdo, which is clearly part of the territory of the Republic of Korea, cannot be subject to diplomatic negotiations or judicial resolution," and declared, "We will respond firmly and sternly to Japan's unjust claims."

He added, "Repeating unjust claims does not contribute to building a future-oriented Korea-Japan relationship," urging the Japanese government to adopt a correct understanding of history and move toward a future-oriented and friendly era of Korea-Japan exchange and cooperation.

Image source: Dokdo / gettyimagesbank, Daisuke Miba, Chief Counselor of the Japanese Embassy in Korea, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul's Jongno-gu on the 8th. / News1