Activist denies protest plans
Activist Tong Zeng yesterday said he had no plans to stage or join protests against Japan's war crimes but would issue a statement to commemorate the Japanese invasion 60 years ago.
Mr Tong said his statement would condemn Japan's wartime atrocities and its occupation of the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea.
'Official commemorative activities will be held at the Marco Polo Bridge where Japan first invaded China during the war. There will also be forums at Beijing University. But I do not plan to attend any of these,' Mr Tong said.
The activist denied being told by authorities not to organise rallies.
Mr Tong expressed confidence that his protest message would reach the Japanese Embassy in Beijing.
In September Mr Tong was forced by the Civil Affairs Ministry to leave the capital for a month to prevent him taking part in a protest voyage to the disputed Diaoyu Islands.
Meanwhile in Taipei, right-wing New Party member Chin Chieh-shou said he would organise a demonstration today outside the Interchange Association, Japan's de facto office, to denounce the Japanese invasion. Mr Chin said he expected more than 100 demonstrators to take part although he was aware that anti-China sentiment was running high in Taiwan after the Hong Kong handover.
Taipei has rejected Beijing's offer of reunification claiming the 'one country, two systems' formula was not suitable for Taiwan.
'We are supporting the dignity of the Chinese race not the communist party in the mainland,' said Mr Chin.
'It is a worldwide campaign against Japanese infringement on Chinese territory and should be supported by all Chinese.'
