The protest, by about 200 people who were calling for a tougher line by their government against Japan, followed similar demonstrations by thousands of Chinese and Japanese last week that centered around the status of islands claimed by both nations.

In a sign that the two governments are to a certain extent trying to defuse tensions, their foreign ministries exchanged statements encouraging cooperation over the past two days.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu noted a statement by Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara that they should strive to improve ties.

"We expect Japan to work with us in joint efforts to maintain and advance the strategic bilateral relationship of mutual benefit," Ma said in a statement posted on the ministry's website on Saturday.

Reuters