Japan: S.korea's Maritime Survey In Eez Without Consent Is 'unacceptable'
Japan's top government spokesperson says the maritime survey South Korea conducted in Japan's exclusive economic zone near the Takeshima Islands is unacceptable as no prior consent was given.
South Korea controls the islands in the Sea of Japan. Japan claims them.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu told reporters on Monday that his government had lodged a strong protest with South Korea and demanded an immediate cessation through a diplomatic channel.
Japan's Foreign Ministry says the country's coast guard confirmed that a South Korean research ship from the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency was navigating in Japan's EEZ near the islands on Sunday.
It was intermittently trailing what looked like a cable in the water.
Matsuno said South Korea has not applied for Japan's consent for the maritime scientific research. He reiterated Japan's position that the Takeshima Islands are an inherent part of the country's territory in light of history and international law.
He said his government will continue to urge Seoul to act appropriately, based on Japan's consistent position on the islands.
Matsuno added that South Korea responded to Japan's protest by saying that research was underway in the waters. He said the South Korean side has stated its own position on the islands, and has told Japan it will confirm what exactly happened regarding the matter.