Protestors demonstrate outside the Japanese consulate in Hong Kong against Japanese claims to the Diaoyu island chain, which is also claimed in whole in part by China, and Asutratlia. Photo by AFP
Twenty Chinese activists have set off on two fishing boats bound for the disputed Diaoyu island chain, claimed by Japan, China and Taiwan, state media reported.According to the Xinhua news agency, the activists from Chinese companies and a non-governmental group will conduct an inspection tour of the islands for tourism purposes. China has repeatedly claimed the islands as part of its territory and the activists plan to release an object inscribed "Chinese territory Diaoyu Islands" into the sea off the islands, the report said.