Defense Minister Satoshi Morimoto came under fire from the opposition camp Friday for apparently undermining Japan's claims to the disputed islets of Takeshima by suggesting a visit by South Korea's president was influenced by "internal affairs" in Seoul.
"Just like everyone else, I personally have the impression that (President Lee Myung Bak's trip) was prompted by domestic factors in South Korea," Morimoto told reporters Friday when asked about the visit's timing. "I think South Korea decided (to proceed with the trip) based on domestic affairs.
"At any rate, we should refrain from commenting on other countries' internal affairs," he added.