Foreign Minister Hayashi said, "We have not conducted a survey" from the South Korean government over the fact that a marine research vessel requested by a Korean state-owned company was sailing in Japan's exclusive economic zone around Takeshima in Shimane Prefecture this month. I made it clear that I received an explanation.
In Japan's EEZ = Exclusive Economic Zone around Takeshima in Shimane Prefecture, it was confirmed that a foreign-registered marine research vessel requested by a Korean state-owned company had been navigating since 9th of this month. The Japan Coast Guard issued a warning.
In connection with this, Foreign Minister Hayashi said at the House of Councilors committee on the 19th, "I immediately ask the South Korean side for explanation through diplomatic routes, and if it is conducting research activities in Japan's exclusive economic zone, it will be accepted. In response, the South Korean side explained that "we have not conducted such an investigation."
Minister Hayashi reiterated that as a result of the analysis conducted by the entire government, including information on the sea area at that time, it was not possible to confirm the existence of the investigation. We will continue to take appropriate measures based on this. "