Fresh Claims To Disputed Islands Raises Tensions Between South Korea And Japan

Image: Known as Dokdo (Solitary islands) in Korea, Takeshima (Bamboo islands) in Japan. Also known as Liancourt rocks Japan's and South Korea's claims go back centuries, but islands occupied by S Korea since 1953. Just 230,000 sq m in size, with no fresh water. But surrounding waters valuable for their fishing

Japan's Fresh Claim To Disputed Islands Reignites Feud With South Korea -- Christian Science Monitor

A Japanese defense report released today reiterates the country's claims to a small chain of islands that South Korea also claims as its own.

A diplomatic showdown between Japan and South Korea is heating up over group of tiny rock outcroppings in the Japan Sea.

Japan released its 2011 defense report today, reiterating its claim to a chain of small islands (see map here) also claimed by South Korea.

The document comes a day after South Korea denied three Japanese lawmakers entry into the country. The three intended to visit Ulleung Island, the South Korean island closest to the disputed chain, known as the Dokdo Islands in South Korea and the Takeshima Islands in Japan. South Korean officials told the lawmakers that the visit could "trigger actions that would threaten public safety," the Japan Times reports.

The topic is so sensitive that even the talk of a visit launched protests in South Korea.

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More News On Japan - South Korean Tensions

Seoul Summons Japanese Diplomats Over Renewed Islands Claim -- Voice of America
SKorea summons Japan envoy over island dispute -- AJC/AP
South Korea blocks Japanese politicians from entering airport -- CNN
Japanese Lawmakers Barred from South Korea -- Voice of America
S. Korea bans Japanese lawmakers in islands row -- AFP
Japanese lawmakers leave after entry ban: Seoul -- Asia One
S.Korea's defense ministry protests Japan's latest claim to disputed islets -- Xinhuanet
US hopes for restraint between Japan, S.Korea -- AFP