China welcomes island activists in Hong Kong
- 12 years ago
Chinese island activists sail into Victoria Harbour amidst cheers and applause in an unofficial welcome ceremony.
They're returning to China one week after they landed on disputed islands claimed by both Beijing and Tokyo, sparking a diplomatic storm.
The two countries have been feuding for decades over the island chain, near potentially huge maritime gas fields.
All 14 people on the boat were detained by Japan upon their arrival on the island last Wednesday.
Captain Yeung Hong was emotional as he recalled the moment he first saw the island.
(SOUNDBITE) (Cantonese) KAI FUNG NO.2'S CAPTAIN YEUNG HONG SAYING:
"When we managed to approach the island, I didn't know what to say. We raised the flag, then I returned to the boat -- as captain I must get back to the boat -- after I got back to the boat, I didn't know what to say. I only cried for five minutes."
Both China's government, which faces a once-in-a-decade leadership change later this year, and Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, are under domestic pressure to take a tough stance over the islands.
They're returning to China one week after they landed on disputed islands claimed by both Beijing and Tokyo, sparking a diplomatic storm.
The two countries have been feuding for decades over the island chain, near potentially huge maritime gas fields.
All 14 people on the boat were detained by Japan upon their arrival on the island last Wednesday.
Captain Yeung Hong was emotional as he recalled the moment he first saw the island.
(SOUNDBITE) (Cantonese) KAI FUNG NO.2'S CAPTAIN YEUNG HONG SAYING:
"When we managed to approach the island, I didn't know what to say. We raised the flag, then I returned to the boat -- as captain I must get back to the boat -- after I got back to the boat, I didn't know what to say. I only cried for five minutes."
Both China's government, which faces a once-in-a-decade leadership change later this year, and Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, are under domestic pressure to take a tough stance over the islands.