Qing Dynasty book on Diaoyu Islands to be auctioned in HK

An book dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) that allegedly contains evidence that the Diaoyu Islands are part of China's territory will be auctioned among 27 other books in Hong Kong on April 12, the China News Service reported.

The book titled "Mission to Ryukyu Islands" documents ambassadors during the Qing's Jiaqing reign (1796-1820) passing by the Diaoyu Islands on their way to the former Ryukyu Kingdom, according to Zhuang Zhigang, director of the All Arts Auctioneers Ltd, which will conduct the auction.

The book describes the topography of the islands, and records that the ambassadors held a ritual to pay tribute to god and the sea on the islands, Zhuang said.

"Mission to Ryukyu Islands" is one of the 28 periodical collections on the Qing Dynasty owned by an elderly collector.

The collector intends to teach people about the Diaoyu Islands' history through the auction, Zhuang added.

The 28 books are estimated to be worth HK$30,000 to $40,000, according to Zhuang.

Last Friday, the Japanese government approved new elementary school textbooks claiming the Diaoyu Islands were part of Japan's territory, arousing denunciation from China.