The Diaoyu Islands [file photo]

A 2,000-ton ship will join Taiwan's Coast Guard fleet later this month to patrol the Diaoyu Islands, Taiwan's United Daily reported.

Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou is expected to host the commissioning ceremony of the ship, Hsin Bei (New Taipei), and give a speech in which he will declare the authorities' determination to protect Taiwan fishermen.

Ma will also board the ship to preside over a Coast Guard fleet drill.

The Hsin Bei is scheduled to patrol the area in the north of Taiwan, which is the closest spot to the Diaoyu Islands.

In 2008, a Taiwan fishing ship sank after colliding with a Japanese patrol ship near the Diaoyu Islands. Taiwan authorities have since then earmarked some 2.4 billion new Taiwan dollars (US$807 million) to strengthen its Coast Guard force, an anonymous official said.

Ma recently revealed Taiwan has 162 patrol ships of over 20 tons and 20 more ships will be built during his tenure, according to the official.

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