Activists sail for disputed islands
  • 12 years ago
A group of Chinese activists sail from Hong Kong - bound for a chain of disputed islands in the Pacific Ocean.

They are aiming to assert China's sovereignty over the isles, which are also claimed by Taiwan and Japan.

Activists chanted "Down with Japanese Militarism" as they journeyed towards the Diaoyu Islands, which are known as Senkaku in Japan.

The group said several boats from China will converge on the chain - though in the past Hong Kong has prevented other protest vessels from leaving port.

It's the latest swipe in a jousting match over islands off the coast of eastern Asia.

Last week, South Korea's president touched off a diplomatic firestorm when he visited an island also claimed by Japan - one believed to sit atop massive oil reserves.
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