A group of Hong Kong and Macao activists who set sail for the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea to claim China's sovereignty on the disputed islands is expected to reach their destination this evening.

The vessel carrying 14 activists, who belong to a group called the Action Committee for Defending the Diaoyu Islands, left Hong Kong on Sunday.

They are expected to reach the islands tonight after getting supplies in Taiwan, the group said today, China News Service reported, quoting Hong Kong media.

If they encounter Japanese patrol vessels, their voyage might be delayed, the group stressed that they will avoid any provocative behavior because they are a non-governmental organization.