The Office of the President on Dec. 9 called Dokdo Island "our territory historically and geographically and under international law," dismissing the claim to the island by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. (Korea.net DB)

By Xu Aiying

The Office of the President on Dec. 9 blasted Japanese Prime Minister's Sanae Takaichi's comment calling Dokdo Island part of her country, saying the island "is inherently our territory historically and geographically and under international law."

Leading domestic media quoted a presidential official as denying any territorial dispute over the island, saying, "We will firmly and sternly respond to any unwarranted claims to Dokdo by Japan."

At a meeting of the budgetary committee of the Japanese House of Representatives, the prime minister said, "Takeshima (Japan's name for Dokdo) is clearly our territory based on historical fact and under international law."

xuaiy@korea.kr