Japan, South Korean stand-off on group of disputed islets in Sea of Japan.

The Japanese government plans to consider further measures to protest South Korean President Lee Myung-bak's visit to a group of disputed islets in the Sea of Japan.The islands are called Takeshima by Japan and Dokdo by South Korea.The Japanese government says Takeshima is an integral part of Japanese territory both historically and under international law. It says Lee's visit runs counter to Japan's position.
Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba has recalled Japan's Ambassador to South Korea. He also summoned South Korea's Ambassador to Japan, Shin Gak-su, to the Foreign Ministry to make a formal protest.
The Japanese government plans to hold a meeting on Saturday to discuss additional responses.

 Japan is considering postponing a ministerial talk with South Korea after the country's President Lee Myung-bak made an unprecedented visit to disputed islets in the Sea of Japan.The annual meeting between the 2 country's finance ministers had been scheduled for as early as this month in Seoul, the South Korean capital.Japanese Finance Minister Jun Azumi and his South Korean counterpart Park Jae-wan were expected to discuss economic and financial issues.But the Japanese government now says it is no longer possible to calmly discuss practical issues.