Taiwan students occupy legislature over China trade deal
ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)
About 200 students burst into Taiwan's legislature late Tuesday and occupied the chamber by blocking entrances to the building to keep police out.
The students said they are demanding an apology from the President for a trade pact the opposition fears gives the mainland too much economic influence.
Protesters chanted slogans inside the legislature building and said they would not leave for at least 43 hours.
Mainland China is the island's biggest trading partner, and the two sides have signed a slew of agreements on everything from transport to tourism since Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou took office in 2008. Under the latest trade pact, China will open 80 of its service sectors to Taiwanese companies, while Taiwan will allow mainland investment in 64 sectors.
About 200 students burst into Taiwan's legislature late Tuesday and occupied the chamber by blocking entrances to the building to keep police out.
The students said they are demanding an apology from the President for a trade pact the opposition fears gives the mainland too much economic influence.
Protesters chanted slogans inside the legislature building and said they would not leave for at least 43 hours.
Mainland China is the island's biggest trading partner, and the two sides have signed a slew of agreements on everything from transport to tourism since Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou took office in 2008. Under the latest trade pact, China will open 80 of its service sectors to Taiwanese companies, while Taiwan will allow mainland investment in 64 sectors.