One would think that China’s recent agreement with Japan to jointly develop gas fields in the East China Sea, which defuses a longstanding territorial dispute would be cause for happiness in both countries. But the history between the two nations being what it is has caused some Chinese to condemn the deal as surrendering national sovereignty to hated enemy.

Some messages left on message boards, which are normally tightly monitored and censored by the security services, have accused the authorities of “selling out” to Japan while others described those who made the deal as “traitors.”

A small demonstration against the agreement and Japan’s claims to disputed islands in the East China Sea was also held outside the Japanese Embassy in Beijing on Wednesday by Chinese nationalists.

Demonstrations against government policy are almost unheard of in China. To take place, the demonstration would have to have been approved by the security services.

In question is Japanese involvement in the Chunxaio (Shirakaba) gas field, which is west of the line up to which Japan claims as its territorial waters. Some Japanese media is reporting that China has agreed to allow Japan develop the Chunxiao field, but the Chinese government is claiming that Japanese involvement will be restricted to investment only.

Thanks to Rune.