The United States says it wants to see South Korea and Japan peacefully resolve through dialogue their diplomatic row concerning Dokdo.

State Department Spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters on Thursday that both South Korea and Japan are “strong, important, valued allies of the United States.” She added that it’s "obviously not comfortable” for Washington to see Seoul and Tokyo engage in a dispute.

Nuland stressed that the U.S. message to the two countries is that Washington hopes they will work it out peacefully and through consultation.

Asked to comment on Japan’s intent to take the Dokdo issue to the International Court of Justice, Nuland said the U.S. takes no position on the matter.