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A spokesperson for the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) said today (August 21) that following the safe return of seven Diaoyu activists, who flew back to Hong Kong on August 17, the Hong Kong vessel Kai Fung No.2 and the remaining seven members on board also arrived in Hong Kong safely today. The Chief Executive and HKSAR Government are pleased to see their safe return.
The spokesperson said that the Diaoyu Islands have been China's territory since ancient times and the Japanese side's detention of Chinese citizens, including Hong Kong residents, was illegal and invalid.
The HKSAR Government has attached great importance to the incident and co-operated closely with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong. The Immigration Department sent officers to Japan on August 15 to join officers of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo) in working with the Chinese Embassy and consulate in Japan to render all practicable assistance to the persons concerned.
Ends/Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Issued at HKT 23:09
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