The Dokdo/Takeshima islands dispute are between South Korea and Japan. This dispute between the two countries, who historically are not the friendliest towards one another, is diplomatic. South Korea and Japan claim that they own the islands. However, both countries are providing different stories explaining who is the rightful owner of the group of islets. South Korea claims that they have controlled Dokdo, the Korean name for the islets, since 1696. Japan claims that they established sovereignty over Takeshima, the Japanese name for the islets, in the 17th century. Both parties involved want the same outcome, full rights to the islands and its surrounding waters. The waters around Dokdo/Takeshima provide fishermen with fertile fishing grounds as well as the possibility of natural gas reserves nearby. Japan has protested South Korea’s claim to the islets by creating “Takeshima Day,” a holiday celebrating Japan has the rightful owner of the islets. This holiday sparked controversy in South Korea, with many citizens protesting in front of the Japanese embassy located in Seoul. Recent rallies and protests between South Korea and Japan have increased tensions between the two nations.
References:
BBC. (2012, August 10). Profile: Dokdo/Takeshima islands. BBC News Asia. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19207086
Ryall, J., & Thomas, A. (2013, February 22). Japan angers Korea by marking Takeshima Day. Deutsche Welle. Retrieved from http://www.dw.de/japan-angers-korea-by-marking-takeshima-day/a-16622321
Kat Platt
Information Literacy: Conflicts 