S. Korea appeals Japan not to conduct marine research near disputed territory

Source: Xinhua  |   2009-1-7  |     ONLINE EDITION

SOUTH Korea appealed today that Japan should drop its reported plan for underwater scientific research near the disputed islets of Dokdo, which Japan also claims sovereignty and calls Takeshima, east of the Korean Peninsula, local media reported.

According to the Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean Foreign Ministry delivered a clear message yesterday through diplomatic channel that Japan should not push for such a research project without South Korea's consent.

"Japan seems to be in the final stage of making the research project. We expect Japan not to include the waters near Dokdo in its final plan in consideration of its relations with South Korea," Yonhap quoted unnamed Foreign Ministry official as saying.

South Korea's response came after Japanese daily newspaper the Yomiuri Shimbun said in a front-page article yesterday that Tokyohas drafted a 10-year plan to conduct an aggressive scientific survey near Dokdo in search of oil, gas hydrate and other energy resources.

The seabed around Dokdo is believed to hold huge gas hydrate deposits, Yonhap said.

Dokdo has been under control by South Korea since 1950s.