SEOUL — In a firm declaration on Wednesday, Oceans Minister Kang Do-hyung committed to the robust protection of South Korea’s maritime territories, emphasizing the easternmost islets of Dokdo. This assertion was made during a parliamentary session and comes amid political debates over territorial rights.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the statement was a response to concerns raised by Rep. Lim Mi-ae of the main opposition Democratic Party, who pointed out the omission of Dokdo-related issues in the oceans ministry's policy reports under President Yoon Suk Yeol's administration. Dokdo, a focal point of territorial disputes, is geographically closer to South Korea, situated in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. The minister's remarks underscore the government’s stance on maintaining sovereignty over its maritime boundaries.