China pact opponents occupy Taiwan legislature
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Several hundred opponents of a far-reaching trade pact with China have occupied Taiwan's legislature, further delaying action on a measure that Beijing strongly favors.
The protesters burst into the legislative chamber late Tuesday night, and repulsed a police effort to evict them shortly after midnight. There were no reported injuries or arrests in the confrontation.
The protesters' action followed a decision by lawmakers from the ruling Nationalist Party to renege on a promise to undertake a clause-by-clause review of the pact. It would allow Taiwanese and Chinese businesses in the services sector to set up branches in the other's territory.
Opponents say the measure would cost tens of thousands of Taiwanese jobs and help China move forward with its longstanding goal of bringing democratic Taiwan under its control.
