China envoy gets hostile welcome on Taiwan mission

A Chinese negotiator began the highest-level visit to breakaway Taiwan in 60 years today, but faces protests - and egg on his face - as he discusses closer ties.

The relationship between the mainland and Taipei has thawed since the election of the Taiwanese president, Ma Ying-jeou, in the spring. But tensions remain and thousands of police guarded the airport for the arrival of Chen Yunlin, China's top negotiator on Taiwan.

Nets and barbed wire were erected outside his hotel to prevent missiles striking him, as a pro-independence group promised NT$1,000 (£19) to anyone who could hit his body with eggs and NT$10,000 to those who hit his face.

A convoy of about two dozen taxis cruised through the streets as Chen arrived, blaring their horns and using loudspeakers to broadcast anti-China slogans. Last month, protesters in southern Taiwan pushed Chen's deputy to the ground as he visited a temple on an informal visit.

Despite the hostile reception, the working groups today reached a tentative deal to sign agreements on direct passenger flights, cargo flights and cargo shipping tomorrow.

Chen is the most senior Chinese official to set foot on Taiwan since the end of the civil war in 1949, when defeated Nationalists fled there. Since then the island has in effect been independent, but China still claims sovereignty and has threatened to take military action if Taipei seeks to formalise its status.

Ma was elected in part because of his pledge to warm relations and help the island benefit from the mainland's economic boom. His poll ratings have since plunged as Taiwan's economy falters, and many voters remain nervous at the possibility of greater Chinese influence.

"People need to have indications that Taiwan is holding firm on its claim to sovereignty," said Raymond Wu, a political risk consultant in Taipei.

The opposition Democratic Progressive party (DPP) staged a rally of around 2,000 people outside parliament tonight.

"If things keep on like this, Taiwan's economy will irreversibly rely fully on China," the DPP chairwoman, Tsai Ing-wen, warned in a letter to newspapers. "In the not-too-distant future, would Taiwan still keep its sovereignty?"