Legislators decided to send a House Committee delegation to Tokyo in November to reflect Hong Kong people's anger at Japan's claim to sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands.

Meanwhile, demonstrations continued yesterday outside the Japanese Consulate where angry protesters said Japan's increasing militarism was responsible for Chan's death.

About 100 people wearing black armbands and headbands protested outside the consulate. They included students from Hong Kong University, Wan Chai residents, Urban Councillors from the Democratic Party and New Territories District Board members.

Extra police were sent to the scene.

Forty students sat outside the building overnight and then handed in a petition signed by more than 2,000 students and teaching staff.

'We deeply regret the death of Mr Chan and admire his spirit. Both the Chinese and Taiwanese governments are too cowardly, they should stand up for our territory,' said student representative Lo Kwok-wah.

The Democratic Party put lanterns outside the consulate implying they hoped 'the son', or the islands, could reunite with mother China soon.

Legislator Fred Li Wah-ming reiterated that Chan's death would not affect a decision to go to the islands next week. 'We give our highest salute to Chan and feel sorrow over his death, but it won't deter us from pursuing our objective to free the islands from Japanese rule,' he said.

The Action Committee for the Protection of Diaoyu Islands of Sha Tin and the Civil Force trod on turnips and Japanese flags to show their anger.

The two groups then went to Xinhua (the New China News Agency) to hand in a petition requesting immediate action from the Foreign Ministry to stop Japanese aggression.