TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan’s opposition-controlled legislature passed changes on Tuesday that are seen as favoring China and diminishing the power of the island’s president.
The changes pushed by the opposition Nationalist Party and its allies give the body greater power to control budgets, including defense spending that the party has blocked in what many see as a concession to China.
The Nationalists officially back unification with China, from which Taiwan separated during a civil war in 1949. They took control of the legislature with a single-seat majority after elections in January, while the presidency went to Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party, which favors Taiwan’s de facto independence from China.
Thousands of people gathered outside the legislature to protest the changes. The legislative chamber was festooned with banners promoting both sides in the dispute, while arguments on the floor broke into shouting and pushing matches.
WEF chair expresses confidence in Chinese economy
Jennie Garth recalls the valuable lessons she learned from her late co
King Charles 'duped by senior aide into appointing colleague to Palace role'
Trump hush money trial: Closing arguments, jury instructions and maybe a verdict?
Chinese scholar introduces nation’s human rights protection of the disabled at Human Rights Council
China renews highest alert for cold wave
At least 14 dead and 3 missing as landslides hit Indonesia's Sulawesi island
Music Review: RM of BTS has a new solo album, ‘Right Place, Wrong Person,’ an elastic experiment
Why Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford's split is about to get 'very, very tricky'
Wrexham are PROMOTED to League One after thrashing Forest Green 6