Tensions surge after wave of violent anti-Japan protests in China

Not to be outdone on the protest scene, China saw a rash of protests break out this Monday and Tuesday, as tens of thousands of Chinese across a dozen cities rallied against Japan's recent purchase of three islands claimed by both countries.

Chinese riot police attempt to contain pro-China protesters in 

Beijing.

Known in China as the Diayou, and in Japan as the Senkaku, the islands are home to no one but are reportedly rich for fishing and may sit atop valuable natural resources.  Ownership of the islands has been a hot-button issue for decades but reached a new level this week after the Japanese government purchased three of the islands from a private owner and handed over the keys to the Japanese Coast Guard.

In response, Chinese protesters have called on the government to defend against Japan's encroachment, with some protesters turning violent, burning people's Japanese cars as well as burning and looting Japanese shops, some of which later turned out to be Chinese-owned.  Click here for a gallery of photos.

In response, Japanese companies such as Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Canon, Panasonic, and Sony have shut down factories and shops in China, with some leaders fearing for their lives.

On Monday, Chinese state-run media claimed an army of 1,000 Chinese fishermen were headed directly to the disputed area, though overall it seems its just the start of fishing season, albeit a very patriotic one.  Dozens of Western media outlets have parroted the claim, but as of Tuesday evening in China, only a reported 11 ships have entered what Japan considers its territory.  Meanwhile, top Chinese general Xu Caihou warned on Friday that Chinese forces should be "prepared for any possible military combat."

A Chinese man in Xi'an was reportedly beaten unconscious for driving a Toyota Corolla.