The protestors, carrying placards saying "No War" and "Peace", were from countries including the United States and Britain, Xinhua said.

Police were at the scene, the Ritan Park, to maintain order and the procession has been approved by the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, it said.

The foreigners' protest and two separate demonstrations by Chinese activists elsewhere in Beijing are the first open -- but limited and monitored -- rallies allowed by the authorities who have been fearful that activists might become emboldened to target issues nearer home.

WAR.WIRE