Around 100,000 people – according to the organizers – staged a protest in Taipei on Jun 26, chanting anti-communist slogans, over the signing of what is called Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) between Taiwan and China.President Ma Ying-jeou has been pushing for the agreement, saying it will boost growth and employment. The opposition, on the other hand, is calling for a referendum on the pact.Pro-independence groups in Taiwan say the agreement will strengthen Beijing's influence over the self-ruled island.

Under the agreement, to be signed on Jun 29 by Taiwan's envoy Chiang Pin-kung in the Chinese city of Chongqing, Taiwanese companies will enjoy tariff benefits in China on 539 products. Chinese companies will receive advantages on close to 267 products.

The opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) says the ECFA will lead to a one-China market, allow China to tighten its grip on the island, and pave the way for China to take over Taiwan, report DPA news service Jun 26. The protest, organized by the DPP, drew supporters of an independent Taiwan, including ex-president Lee Teng-hui, ex-vice president Annette Lu and three former premiers.

Beijing considers Taiwan a renegade province although its communist government has never ruled the de facto independent island country.

Bilateral trade totals about $110 billion a year, with $50 billion in Taiwan's favour, according to an AP report Jun 26.