Fearless HK activists ready to face Japanese navy over Diaoyu Islands

Hong Kong activists who are heading to the disputed Diaoyu Islands to support China's claim of sovereignty say they are prepared to confront Japanese navy vessels.

They said they would not be deterred despite media reports that Japan - which claims sovereignty over what it calls the Senkaku Islands - was considering sending military ships to stop them.

Activists from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China initially planned to undertake the voyage together, but the mainlanders yesterday said they would withdraw.

The Hong Kong activists' vessel had a bad start, as much of their food rations fell overboard amid the rough seas. Organisers said they hoped to restock Kai Fung No2, with 14 people on board, in Taiwan.

The vessel has eight activists from Hong Kong, Macau, and a mainlander, Fang Xiaosong. The remaining six are sailors and reporters.

The vessel, which left on Sunday, was expected to reach the sea off Taiwan's Yilan county today, said Chan Yue-nam, head of the Action Committee for Defending the Diaoyu Islands. Chan said there had been only "minor interference" from Hong Kong marine officials, which blocked six previous attempts.