"Yesterday, the police suddenly brought forward the demonstration by 90 minutes, without giving us enough time to tell the participants," said Tong Xiaoxi, one of the organizers.

The organizers of the demonstration included university teachers and intellectuals, many of whom had already signed an online petition against the war in Iraq.

China is the only major country in the world where the government has openly declared its opposition to the war, but where no mass demonstrations have taken place.

Sunday saw two small protests, including one at Beijing University, and another, by foreigners, in the city's embassy district.

The Chinese government is keen to maintain a stable relationship with the United States. At the same time it fears demonstrations could turn into protests about other issues closer to home.

WAR.WIRE