On Thursday, a police ministry spokesperson asked the public not to attend unauthorized marches and protests or spread messages that instigate such events.

"Marches held without the approval of police, including those not complying with approved plans, and acts that disrupt public security or seriously sabotage social order all constitute violations of the law," said the unnamed official from the Ministry of Public Security.

He said the ministry fully understands the "patriotic sentiments" of those involved, including students, in recent demonstrations against the Japanese government's attitude toward its history.

"We hope Japan will seriously respond to the concerns of the Chinese people, properly handle relevant issues and stop doing things hurting their feelings," he said.

According to the spokesperson, public security departments and other relevant units had done a great deal to maintain social order and ensure the safety of Japanese agencies and nationals in China, and that most demonstrators had behaved in a reasonable fashion.

"But a few have taken the protests as an opportunity to destroy public and private property and disrupt social order. Such acts have impaired China's image and violated the law," he said.

In accordance with the law and rules on holding parades and marches, all demonstrations have to be approved by the police before they are held.

It is also illegal to encourage marches and protests through spreading messages on the Internet or by SMS without police approval, he said, adding that those involved in vandalism on marches would be punished severely.

(Xinhua News Agency April 22, 2005)