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.

"The government believes the most desirable (solution) is to have Japan withdraw its planned survey," said an official of the Foreign Ministry.

The comments came after an emergency meeting convened by the president on how to deal with Japan's survey plan near Dokdo, which is under control of South Korea while Japan also claims sovereignty.

The government has decided to first try and resolve the renewed dispute with Japan through diplomatic means, but it will take emergency steps, possibly including the use of force when necessary, the official said.

The Yonhap News Agency said ministers discussed detailed and step-by-step measures against Japan's planned survey during the meeting.

"The government is convinced that there can be no compromise on the territorial issue," the official added.

Japan announced last Friday to carry out a maritime survey on waters around the islets of Dokdo, which is called as "Takeshima" by Japan. South Korea reacted with an immediate warning against it and reiterated sovereignty over the islets.

South Korea insists the Dokdo islets, located some 89 kilometers southeast to South Korean Uleung Island and 160 kilometers northwest to Japanese Oki Island, have been listed as its territory in history literature since the fifth century. While Japan claims the islets has been its territory since 17 century, as written in literature.

(Xinhua News Agency April 18, 2006)