500,000 people attend protest rally

On 25 October 2008 thousands of demonstrators gathered in Taipei to protest President Ma Ying-jeou's decision to strengthen ties with China. Demonstrators demanded an apology from China for the sale of melamine tainted milk and criticized the president for not rejecting China's products. Organizers estimate that approximately 500,000 people were present at the rally. At least 4,600 police officers were dispatched to the protest in Taipei, which began at 1400 local time (0600 UTC). Pro-independence protesters remained overnight on Ketagalan Boulevard, continuing the protest on 26 October; however, the demonstration permit expired at 2200 local time. Protesters fear that the president will allow China to gain more power over Taiwan. Meanwhile, anti-China protesters, in association with the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), indicated that they are planning additional protests on 3-4 November in front of the Taipei Main Station, which will coincide with the visit of China's chairman of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait. Organizers expect more than 600,000 people to attend. Due to the massive number of people expected, security will be increased throughout the capital, with more than 7,000 security officers set to be deployed.