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Safety warning for Japanese in HK

Japanese people in Hong Kong have been warned to be alert to their safety amid anger over Tokyo's continued detention of the captain of a mainland vessel intercepted near the Diaoyu Islands.

The warning from Japan's consulate in Hong Kong was made ahead of a protest tomorrow at which hundreds of activists are expected to march to mark the 79th anniversary of the Mukden Incident that triggered Japan's invasion of Manchuria.

In a notice, the consulate said that even though no one was hurt in a protest outside its office on Wednesday, during which the entrance was blocked for 30 minutes, Japanese people should be vigilant and exercise caution.

They were advised to avoid areas near the demonstration route tomorrow, and to avoid acting in any high-profile manner which might lead to them being identified as Japanese.

Activists continued their protest outside the building housing the consulate in Exchange Square, Central, yesterday and said hundreds would march tomorrow at 3pm from Victoria Park to the consulate to voice their anger.

As well as demanding the Japanese authorities release the captain of the fishing boat, the marchers will also mark the anniversary of the September 18 incident - which signalled the start of Japan's invasion of China ahead of the second world war.

'The Japanese should get lost and stay away from the Diaoyu Islands, which have always been Chinese territory,' said activist Tsang Kin-shing, whose group is hoping to set sail for the islands, which are also claimed by Japan and Taiwan.

Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor condemned the government's 'hindering' of plans by Hong Kong-based activists to sail to the Diaoyus. The activists decried the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department's insistence it inspect their vessel on the grounds that it may have a rat infestation. 'The department once again becomes a political tool to curb freedom of speech,' the human rights monitor said.

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