WASHINGTON -- Hundreds of protesters rallied in the nation's capital as world leaders met for an emergency economic summit.
Outside the summit, the largest protest came from about 300 demonstrators supporting Tibetan independence. They were joined by a smaller group from the spiritual movement Falun Gong in protesting China, which is attending the financial meeting at the National Building Museum. Protesters chanted "Shame on China" on the outskirts of the perimeter established by police.
In the afternoon, the pro-Tibet demonstrators were countered by more than 200 people supporting the Chinese government. They waved China's red and gold flag and held a sign that read "Welcome President Hu Jintao to the United States of America."
More than a dozen protesters from the ANSWER coalition -- a group that has drawn thousands of antiwar protesters to Washington in the past -- also marched and picketed outside the building.
Farther away, more than 100 demonstrators rallied at Murrow Park before marching in the streets. At Thomas Circle, they placed banners on a statue with messages reading "Bury Capitalism" and "People Over Profit."
