Japanese firms shut China plants as tensions mount over disputed islands

Some of Japan's best known companies downed shutters at their factories and stores across China yesterday in the face of the biggest anti-Japanese protests in years as tensions continued to mount over disputed islands.

Japanese businesses have been warned by authorities to suspend operations, with tens of thousands of Chinese expected to march in the streets today, which also marks the sensitive 81st anniversary of the Japanese occupation of China, which still stokes strong passions in the country.

Japanese firms including Honda, Panasonic, Canon, Nissan and clothing retailer Uniqlo said their factories and stores would close for a few days.

This came after protests across dozens of cities over the weekend, and though Beijing and Shanghai for the most part remained orderly thanks to massive police deployment, violence was reported across several cities, where Japanese restaurants and department stores were attacked.

The two countries saw tensions flare last week after Japan's announcement of purchase of three of the Diaoyu or Senkaku Islands from the family recognised by Tokyo as the owner.

Beijing dispatched six maritime surveillance vessels to patrol off the islands' territorial waters in response.