Diaoyu Islands protesters called on China to take tougher action to reclaim her sovereignty over the disputed archipelago, even if it hurt relations with Japan.
In an open letter to Chinese President Jiang Zemin, the Action Committee for Defending the Diaoyu Islands called for immediate steps to protect territorial unity and called Japanese MP Shingo Nishimura's landing on the islands 'presumptuous'.
'We cherish a peaceful environment which benefits the development of our country. But it doesn't mean we can let schemers eat up our land and resources,' it read.
Legislators Albert Ho Chun-yan, Tsang Kin-shing and eight other demonstrators marched to Xinhua headquarters at noon for a 20-minute protest.
Mr Ho said China should call high-level diplomatic talks with Tokyo and demand the immediate, unconditional return of the islands. 'Should the talks fail, the Chinese Government must launch economic and political sanctions against Japan,' he said.
The pro-Taiwan 123 Democratic Alliance also protested outside the Japanese consulate.
