Fight Breaks out in Taiwan's Parliament Over China Trade
- 14 years ago
On Thursday, a fight broke out in Taiwan's Parliament. The ruling party Kuomintang and the opposition Democratic Progressive Party disagreed on an agreement that lays out terms of trade with China.
Taiwan legislators threw objects, splashed water and kicked one another, sending two to the hospital.
About a dozen opposition lawmakers were set on blocking a speedy approval of the deal.
But Taiwan's parliament is expected to approve the trade deal by next month at the latest.
Opponents of the agreement say the deal, which cuts import tariffs on about 800 items, could hurt small business.
Brawls are often staged in Taiwan so lawmakers appear strong on local television on issues of broad public concern.
Taiwan's parliament, which is split between two major political parties, often descends into physical violence.
Taiwan legislators threw objects, splashed water and kicked one another, sending two to the hospital.
About a dozen opposition lawmakers were set on blocking a speedy approval of the deal.
But Taiwan's parliament is expected to approve the trade deal by next month at the latest.
Opponents of the agreement say the deal, which cuts import tariffs on about 800 items, could hurt small business.
Brawls are often staged in Taiwan so lawmakers appear strong on local television on issues of broad public concern.
Taiwan's parliament, which is split between two major political parties, often descends into physical violence.