Taiwan/China - trade protests

Thousands protest at closer China ties

Article published on the 2009-12-20 Latest update 2009-12-20 16:07 TU

Protesters from the opposition Democratic Progressive Party in Taichung, central Taiwan
(Photo: Reuters)

Up to 30,000 people marched through Taiwan's third-largest city Taichung on Sunday, ahead of a meeting this week which aims to bring the two economies closer together.

Taiwanese negotiator PK Chiang will meet China's Chen Yunlin  in Taichung on Tuesday for a fourth round of talks on the proposed Economic Co-operation Framework Agreement (ECFA).

The opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) claims that warming relations are a threat to Taiwan's independence. But many businesses believe that the country's export-oriented economy needs to get closer to the economic powerhouse over the straits.

China regards Taiwan as a break-away province, while Taiwan formally styles itself the Republic of China.

The DPP says that a planned trade pact is being prepared behind closed doors and is concerned about other aspects of the agenda of this week's agenda.

The party accuses President Ma Ying-jeou of being too friendly to mainland China. Ma's Kuomintang promises that the deal will boost growth and create jobs.