South Korean government summons Minister-Counsellor of Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Korea over Japan’s claim to Liancourt Rocks in Diplomatic Bluebook

[Financial News] The South Korean government lodged a protest on the 10th against Japan’s claim to sovereignty over Liancourt Rocks in the 2026 edition of its Diplomatic Bluebook and demanded its immediate withdrawal. The government also summoned Hirotaka Matsuo, Minister-Counsellor at the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Korea, to the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea in Jongno District, Seoul, that day for a formal protest.
In a spokesperson’s statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea said, "We strongly protest that the Japanese government has once again repeated its unjust claim of sovereignty over Liancourt Rocks, which is clearly our inherent territory historically, geographically, and under international law, through the Diplomatic Bluebook it has released, and we urge its immediate withdrawal."
The government further stated, "We reiterate that the Japanese government’s unjust claim has no impact whatsoever on our sovereignty over Liancourt Rocks, which is the inherent territory of the Republic of Korea," adding, "We will respond firmly to any provocation by Japan regarding Liancourt Rocks."
Japan’s 2026 Diplomatic Bluebook, which was made public, asserts that "Liancourt Rocks are Japan’s inherent territory in light of historical facts and under international law." At the same time, it describes the Republic of Korea as "an important neighboring country with which Japan should cooperate as a partner" and notes that "the importance of Japan–ROK relations is growing." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan publishes the Diplomatic Bluebook, an annual white paper that records international developments and Japan’s diplomatic activities, every April.

rainman@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-soo Reporter