Japan had gone ahead and done it. Ignoring repeated protests and warnings from Korea, Shimane's prefectural legislature approved an ordinance creating a "Takeshima Day," "Takeshima" being Japan's term fro Dokdo. The "Friendship Year" that marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations has become "Betrayal Year." The relationship between Korea and Japan has seen difficult progress, but now stands at a serious crossroad.
As noted by the Korean government, Shimane prefecture's actions in no way affect Dokdo's status. Dokdo remains Korean territory, historically, geographically, and according to international law, and Korea maintains practical control over it. While it may be the work of a local government, Shimane's actions are an infringement on the territorial sovereignty of a neighboring nation that will not be tolerated. Furthermore, the Japanese government went beyond simply aiding reckless behavior and actively encouraged it. The same goes for the majority of the legislators in Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the far-right elements in that country.
We ask that Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi issue a polite apology and that the ordinance be repealed, though both actions would be late in coming. Otherwise we will have to assume that a land grab is being attempted at the Japanese government level. Responsibility for all events from this point on lie with Japan.
The Korean government is right to essentially abolish the travel restriction on Dokdo. As long as it does not cause problems for the islets' preservation, there is no reason to prevent the people from visiting. It should go further, and make Dokdo part of the daily sphere of the people's lives, something they can see and feel as an everyday experience. There is a need for Dokdo and Ulleungdo to be used as a resource for student trips and tourism. Building the Dokdo maritime science research base and the Dokdo archive center will be essential. There should be no hesitation in seeing to it that private citizens are made to live there to make the islets occupied territory.
More important will be making Dokdo's legal status clearer and maximizing on its latent benefits. To that end, the "Special Law on the Preservation and Use of Dokdo," currently proposed by the main opposition party, should be given active consideration. The bill should include the creation of territorial waters based on a 12 nautical mile area around Dokdo, and provide basis for the revision of the Korea-Japan fishing agreement, singed a few years ago despite its shortcomings
Japan is geographically the country closest to Korea. Furthering a relationship of friendship and cooperation would be of benefit to Korea as well. Still, provocations such as these must be dealt with resolutely and strictly, all the more so because it is in the same vein as the imperialist behavior of the past. What happens to relations between the two countries depends entirely on Japan's attitude.
The Hankyoreh, 17 March 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] Make Dokdo a Regular Part of the Country |
