S. Korea to call in Japan's ambassador to protest

By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Dec. 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea plans to call in Japan's top envoy here on
Friday to lodge a protest against Tokyo's decision to teach high school students
about what it claims to be a "territorial dispute" between the neighboring
countries, according to Seoul officials.
In publishing its new education handbook, however, Japan's Education Ministry did
not directly mention Dokdo, a pair of rocky islets in the East Sea. South Korea
effectively controls Dokdo and maintains a firm position that its sovereignty
over the land is not disputed. But Japan has laid claim to the area that is rich
in fish and hydrate gas, often causing diplomatic spat with Seoul.
The education guidelines to be used in high school geography classes nationwide
for the coming decade say that teachers "need to deepen the understanding (of
students) on territorial issue by providing accurate information based on the
Japanese government's proper claim and in reference to their study at junior high
school."
"The Northern Territories are Japan's own territory but they are currently
occupied illegally by Russia," it reads. "Japan's demand for their return needed
to be taught correctly."
The education handbook for junior high schools, published last year, state that
students should be also educated about the fact that there are disputes between
Japan and South Korea over Dokdo, similar to those with Russia over the Northern
Territories. It describes them as "Japan's own territory but they are currently
occupied illegally by Russia. It also reads "Japan's demand for their return
needed to be taught correctly."
At that time, South Korea strongly protested against Japan's publication of the
handbook which could affect textbook publishers, even recalling its ambassador to
Japan, Kwon Chul-hyun.
South Korean officials said Japan's position on the Dokdo issue remains
unchanged, given the content of the new education handbook.
"We plan to call in Japan's ambassador here and deliver a protest message," a
foreign ministry official said, asking not to be named. He said the exact time of
the diplomatic action has not been set yet.
He expressed regret over Japan's act, saying it may give a wrong perception of
history to the next generation.
He would not comment on Seoul's stance on Japan's decision not to directly
mention Dokdo in the handbook. Meanwhile, diplomatic sources said it apparently
reflects the Hatoyama administration's dilemma, as the prime minister seeks to
improve relations with Asian neighbors under his "fraternity" campaign while
struggling to win support from conservatives ahead of key parliamentary elections
next July.
lcd@yna.co.kr
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