A source in the National Oceanographic Research Institute said on June 27, “We will conduct a survey on the currents in the waters near Dokdo using the oceanographic vessel No. 2000 (2,500 tons) from July 3 as announced through the navigation notice in January.”

The No. 2000 is going to search for the black box of the F-15K fighter, which crashed into the East Sea on June 7, and move to the waters near Dokdo on July 3.

Japan’s related bureaus such as Cabinet Office and Coast Guard decided to ask Korea to stop its scheduled survey by mobilizing a patrol boat when the oceanographic vessel enters what Japan claims as its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Japan has claimed that the midway line between Dokdo and Ulleungdo is the demarcation line between Korea’s and Japan’s EEZ. According to this claim, Dokdo and the neighboring waters are included in Japan’s EEZ.

However, the government’s reported decision not to respond to Japan’s request to stop its examination of currents might cause serious conflicts between Korea and Japan.

A source in the government said, “We need to stand determined since examination of currents is related to the dominion of Dokdo.”