South Korea Recalls Its Ambassador, Disputes Japan's Claim On Two Islands

July 15, 2008 12:27 p.m. EST

Seoul, South Korea (AHN) - Japan recalled its ambassador to South Korea on Tuesday after a dispute over who owns two disputed islands in the Sea of Japan, known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea.

Outgoing South Korean ambassador to Japan Kwon Chul Hyun met Tuesday morning with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Mitoji Yabunaka to voice Seoul's position. Kwon was recalled Monday by Seoul to protest Japan's claim on the islets.

Kwon told Yabunaka that Japan made a dangerous decision, particularly now that both sides have decided to attempt to strengthen bilateral relations.

Seoul demands Japan take measures to correct the situation and has warned of "much loss" due to the issue.

During the meeting, Yabunaka insisted that the islets are Japan's territory. However, he called for cooperation to settle the issue.

On Monday, Japan said it will include in its teaching guidelines for junior high school teachers and textbooks, that they include the claim of ownership of the two disputed islets.

The move immediately drew outrage in South Korea and resulted in the ambassador's recall to Seoul.