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ZHANG: A Chinese Communist Party official left Taiwan on Friday after a turbulent visit. The meetings produced landmark trade agreements but also sparked angry protests by thousands opposed to China’s claim of sovereignty over the self-ruled island. STORY: Chen Yunlin, China’s top negotiator on Taiwan affairs, completed the highest-level visit to the island by a communist leader since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949. His visit, which included deals to open new trade and transit links and a brief meeting with President Ma Ying-jeou, eased official ties between two sides. Beijing has vowed to bring Taiwan under its rule, by force if necessary. But protests from thousands of anti-Chinese Communist Party demonstrators dogged Chen almost every step of his visit. Beijing’s shift to charm diplomacy came after new China-friendly leadership took power on the island and a recent Taiwan investment in China of about 0 billion. Taiwan’s main opposition Democratic Progressive Party, which backed the island’s anti-CCP president from 2000 to 2008, organized a rowdy street demonstration on Thursday. As Ma met Chen he angered many by calling Ma “you” instead of “president” — not recognizing him as head of state. At least 10000 people filled streets, some throwing eggs and trying to break through police barriers. Analyst say protesters are estimated to represent at least a quarter of the population. Through much of the night, hundreds of riot police used batons and a water …
