A group formed to promote Chinese sovereignty over a group of islets Japan controls in the East China Sea is trying to raise about 1.5 million Hong Kong dollars ($195,000) to fund a voyage there next month, an organizer said Wednesday.
David Ko, chairman of the Action Committee for Defending the Diaoyu Islands, said he is confident the group will raise the funds. He said the committee is seeking HK$20 from "patriots" all over the world.
The committee, which is aiming to raise HK$3.3 million, has already received HK$1.8 million. They have purchased two 100-foot (30.5-meter) vessels for HK$1.3 million, paid HK$1.2 million for maintenance work, HK$300,000 for lifesaving devices and set aside HK$500,000 for fuel, food and the captain's salary.