Taiwan - Thousands protest against China

Hundreds of thousands of pro-independence demonstrators have voiced their anger against China on the streets of Taipei. Half a million people, according to the organisers, waved banners denouncing the warming ties to the Chinese mainland. It is the first major demonstration since President Ma Ying-jeou took power in May. He was accused by many demonstrators of not standing up to the Chinese government especially with regards the milk scandal which sickened several people on the island. Some of the demonstrators shouted slogans, “Oppose toxic products, defend sovereignty”. Former President Chen Shui-bian, who quit the pro-independence DPP after money laundering claims against him and his family surfaced earlier this year, joined the march and was met by a cheering crowd [BBC / al Jazeera /
AFP].