Taiwan protest over China trade pact will not affect potential for Ma-Xi meeting

TAIPEI - Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou said on Saturday student protests over a controversial trade pact with mainland China will not affect the potential for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The current pace of Taiwan's economic progress with China is appropriate, Ma added during a press conference at his official residence.

Taiwan's parliament building has been occupied by hundreds of protesters for almost two weeks over the government's decision to agree to a deal that would open 80 of China's service sectors to Taiwan, and 64 Taiwanese sectors to China.