DPRK vows to defend controversial islet

    PYONGYANG, April 23 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Sunday denounced Japan's plan to conduct maritime survey around the disputed Tok (Takeshima) islet,vowing to defend it.

Japanese survey ships return after maritime tension defused

    TOKYO, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Two Japan Coast Guard survey ships left for Tokyo on Sunday morning a day after Japan agreed with South Korea to drop its plan to carry out a maritime survey near a group of disputed islets in the Sea of Japan, Kyodo News reported.

ROK, Japan fail in narrowing differences on territorial dispute

    SEOUL, April 21 (Xinhua) -- South Korean and Japanese diplomats failed in narrowing differences on territorial dispute over the Dokdo islets after a 90-minute talks on Friday.

Japan's planned maritime survey arouses tension with S. Korea

    TOKYO, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Two Japan Coast Guard (JCG) maritime survey vessels left port in Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, on the Sea of Japan coast on Wednesday afternoon, and seemed to be ready to begin their work anytime ordered around a group of disputed isles in the Sea of Japan, arousing fierce opposition and warning from South Korea.

ROK vows hardline stance on territory dispute with Japan

    SEOUL, April 18 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Roh Moo-hyunsaid Tuesday that his government is considering to change the decades-long "quiet diplomacy" on the disputed islets of Dokdo into a hardline stance as Japan's increasingly aggressive move on the issue.

ROK to force Japan withdraw survey plan on disputed waters

    SEOUL, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The South Korean government decided Monday to force Japan to withdraw its planned maritime survey on waters around disputed islets in the East Sea (Sea of Japan) as a first step to resolve the escalating row, government officials told reporters.

Japan warned not to conduct maritime research in disputed area

    SEOUL, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The South Korean government warned Friday that it will take stern measures if Japan conducts maritime research in waters near the disputed islets located in the East Sea (Sea of Japan) without South Korea's approval.

S. Korean summons Japan's envoy over territory disputes

    SEOUL, March 30 (Xinhua) -- South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon on Thursday summoned Japan's envoy to Seoul to lodge protest over Japan's move to lay claim to controversial islets.