Chinese Hit Japanese with Balloon Batons - Small Squirmishes in Malaysia during Olympic Torch Relay

Intense weather may have dulled the impact of would-be protesters during the Olympic Torch Relay in Malaysia. Isolated incidents punctuated the relay with a few protesters detained and released. Only one significant incident of note occurred involving a Japanese family getting beat down by Chinese nationals at Independence Square. Rather than use the inflated plastic batons to bang together for celebratory noise, some individuals smacked the Japanese family who unfurled a Tibetan flag and a banner reading "Free Tibet."