Anti-Japan demos cause ire in Beijing

漫畫來源: Ted Goff

BY ATSUSHI OKUDERA AND KENJI MINEMURA THE ASAHI SHIMBUN

2010/10/26

Public security officials moving into position ahead of an anti-Japan demonstration in Lanzhou, Gansu province, on Sunday (Photo provided by a Lanzhou citizen)

Chinese authorities, angered that anti-Japan demonstrations are being used as a cover to voice criticism of the government, are moving briskly to contain further protests.

Two demonstrations held Sunday attracted attention. In Lanzhou, Gansu province, more than 100 people marched, shouting, "Boycott Japanese products." Security authorities were much in evidence.

Another demonstration in Baoji, Shaanxi province, drew some 2,000 young protesters. But, while shouting slogans slamming Japan, some people also raised banners criticizing Chinese Communist Party rule. One called for the introduction of a multiparty political system. Another berated the government for the high cost of living.

A similar demonstration was held Saturday in Deyang, Sichuan province.

Despite the government's efforts to contain the demonstrations, anti-Japan protests were staged in midsize and small inland cities, where a disparity in incomes between rich and poor is most glaring, for two days in a row.

In Beijing, the leadership is apparently fearful that protesters are increasingly willing to publicly vent their frustrations against the communist government.

Baoji, with a population of 3.7 million, lies 170 kilometers west of Xian, the capital of Shaanxi province that is famous for its terra cotta warriors.

Baoji is an industrial city that is famed for its production of lead. However, the income level of its citizens is much lower than that of coastal area residents. Frustration is said to be mounting over bureaucrats' corruption and soaring prices of real estate.

Witnesses said the demonstrators marched with red, green and blue banners.

The red banners carried anti-Japan slogans, while criticisms of the Chinese government were written on green and blue banners.

The slogans included criticism against one-party rule and one saying, "(President of Taiwan) Ma Ying-jeou, the continent welcomes you."

Public security authorities seized the banners and arrested protesters, witnesses said.

In Nanjing, Jiangsu province, about 100 young people gathered for a demonstration but were dispersed by security authorities.

In Chongqing, university authorities contained demonstrations by imposing a curfew and banning students from going out in groups.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said Saturday night he "takes note" of Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara's statement Friday and that China will work with Japan to advance strategic bilateral relations based on mutual benefit.

Meanwhile, China's Ministry of Public Security notified local authorities to rein in the anti-Japan protests which have spread across the country, sources familiar with Chinese issues said. The notification was issued soon after the first demonstration occurred on Oct. 16 in Chengdu, Sichuan province, and other cities, and sent to local governments and school authorities. It said the demonstrations are illegal and should be strictly controlled.

The ministry was apparently concerned that anti-Japan protesters would vent their frustrations on the government.

Two key factors are behind the government's move to control the protests: One is to improve bilateral relations between China and Japan; the second is a fear that protesters will continue to use the demonstrations as forums to address their complaints about difficulties in finding employment and the high cost of living.

The sources said there are fears anti-Japan demonstrations could spark a grass-roots movement akin to an insurgency.