Taiwan

Thousands protest closer China links

Article published on the 2008-10-25 Latest update 2008-10-25 14:59 TU

The protest in Taipei
(Photo: Reuters)

Tens of thousands of supporters of Taiwan's opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) demonstrated in Taipei on Saturday, ahead of a visit by a top Chinese official. They opposed closer ties with the mainland and condemned the import of toxic milk.

"Opposing toxic products, defending sovereignty," the demonstrators chanted. Many were dressed in the DPP's colour, green, and former President Chen Shui-bian, who left the party after money-laundering accusations, was cheered when he arrived at the protest.

The crowd claim that a visit by Chen Yunlin, head of China's quasi-official Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, will be a threat to the island's independence.

The visit, which is expected to take place on 3 November, will be the the first such high-level talks to take place on Taiwanese soil. Chen is expected to discuss establishing closer shipping and air cargo links.

The demonstrators also protested about the recent toxic Chinese milk scandal.

The DPP has accused President Ma Ying-jeou's government of failing to stand up to China over the melamine scare, which killed four babies on the mainland and made three children and one woman sick in Taiwan.