epa03400522 A defamed Japanese flag reading ‘Destroy Japan’ is held by Chinese demonstrators outside the Japanese embassy in Beijing, China, 17 September 2012. Anti-Japan protests demanding the return of the Diaoyu or Senkaku islands spread across China during the weekend with many protesters venting their anger at Japanese businesses, prompting Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to ask the Chinese government to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens. EPA/DIEGO AZUBEL