100,000 protesters crowded the streets of Taipei

Thousands of anti-China activists crowded the streets of Taipei on 6 November 2008 in a continuation of demonstrations against the presence of a top Chinese diplomat in Taiwan. Police officials stated that at least 100,000 protesters assembled at various locations, bringing ground transportation through Taipei to a standstill. Demonstrators and police officers clashed in the early morning hours of 6 November outside the Regent Hotel in Taipei where the Chinese envoy was attending a banquet hosted in his honor on the evening of 5 November. More than 2,000 protesters surrounded the hotel, temporarily trapping the envoy inside. He was able to return to the Grand Hotel -- where he is staying -- at approximately 0230 local time (1830 UTC). There were no reports of major injuries during the confrontation outside the Regent Hotel. In a related development, former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian accused President Ma Ying-jeou of treason on 4 November, stating that his actions and negotiations with the People's Republic of China (PRC) jeopardize the security of the state. Consequently, Chen and other independence supporters filed a treason lawsuit against Ma based on Article 104 of the Constitution, which states that any collaboration with foreign nationals that can potentially lead to the annexation of the Republic of China (another designation for Taiwan) is a crime, the penalty for which is death or life in prison. The visit of the Chinese delegation to discuss possible trade agreements marks an unprecedented level of diplomatic openness between the two rival countries. Ardent anti-communist Taiwanese who are angered by President Ma's willingness to welcome the Chinese officials and open talks with the delegation have staged boisterous protests outside government buildings and hotels where the discussions have been held. Taipei security authorities reported that at least 7,000 officers have been deployed throughout the city to prevent civil unrest during the visit of the Chinese diplomats.