Takeshima/Dokdo Islands

Source: FP

Context: South Korea lodged a firm diplomatic protest against Japan’s Takeshima Day, an annual event held in Shimane Prefecture to assert sovereignty over the disputed islets.

About Takeshima/Dokdo Islands:

What it is?

• The territory is a cluster of small, rocky outcroppings located in the Sea of Japan (referred to as the East Sea by South Korea).

• Composition: It consists of two main volcanic islets—Dongdo (East Island) and Seodo (West Island)—along with roughly 30 to 90 smaller rocks and reefs.

• Geographical Position: The islands lie roughly equidistant between the two nations but are physically closer to the South Korean island of Ulleungdo (approx. 87 km) than to Japan’s Oki Islands (approx. 157 km).

• The islands lie roughly equidistant between the two nations but are physically closer to the South Korean island of Ulleungdo (approx. 87 km) than to Japan’s Oki Islands (approx. 157 km).

History and Origin:

• Ancient Records: South Korea traces its claim back to the 6th-century Silla Kingdom, citing various historical maps and documents (like the Sejong Sillok Jiriji) that describe the islets as part of Korean territory.

• 1905 Annexation: Japan officially incorporated the islands into Shimane Prefecture in 1905, declaring them terra nullius (nobody’s land) during the Russo-Japanese War. South Korea views this as an illegal act of colonial aggression.

• Post-WWII (1945-1954): Following Japan’s defeat in 1945, the islands were placed under Allied control. In 1954, South Korea established a permanent coast guard presence on the islands, effectively regaining control after the end of Japanese colonial rule.

Features:

• Terrain: Volcanic rocks formed in the Cenozoic era. They feature steep cliffs, numerous sea caves, and a harsh, humid climate.

• Fisheries: The surrounding waters are a Goldilocks zone where warm and cold ocean currents meet, creating one of the world’s most fertile fishing grounds for squid, pollock, and cod.

• Energy Potential: Recent geological surveys suggest the seabed may hold 600 million tons of gas hydrates (often called fire ice). This natural gas resource is estimated to be worth nearly $10 billion annually, making the islands a strategic energy asset.

• This natural gas resource is estimated to be worth nearly $10 billion annually, making the islands a strategic energy asset.

Current Status:

• De Facto Control: South Korea maintains effective control over the islands, with a small detachment of police, lighthouse keepers, and a handful of residents.

• Legal Stance: South Korea refuses to take the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), arguing that there is no dispute to settle as the islands are an integral part of their sovereign territory.

• Japan continues to claim the islands as an inherent part of its territory, hosting Takeshima Day every February 22nd.