The Japanese government strongly protested on the 16th regarding the South Korean research vessel conducting marine research activities near Dokdo.
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release that, "On the 15th, activities were confirmed with the South Korean research vessel Onnuri deploying a wire into the sea in the territorial waters west of Takeshima (the Japanese name for Dokdo)," and expressed its protest.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that Masaki Kanai, Director-General for Asian and Oceanian Affairs, protested to Kim Jang-hyun, Minister-Counselor at the South Korean Embassy in Japan, while Yoshiyasu Iseki, Minister-Counselor at the Japanese Embassy in South Korea, protested to Sang-hoon Kim, Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Asian and Pacific Affairs. The Japanese side claimed that Dokdo is historically and legally Japan's inherent territory.
The Japanese government has protested every time South Korea conducts marine research around Dokdo.
The South Korean government has maintained a position that it cannot accept Japan's claims, stating, "Dokdo is clearly our territory in historical, geographical, and international law."