Taiwan, China to sign investment pact amid protests

TAIPEI (AFP) - Taiwan will sign a key investment pact with China in top-level talks in Taipei on Thursday amid protests from anti-Beijing critics against closer economic ties with the former foe.

China's chief negotiator Chen Yunlin and his Taiwanese counterpart Chiang Pin-kung will put their name to the much-awaited deal, providing a legal umbrella for Taiwanese businesses operating in China.

They will also sign a cooperation pact to speed up the time needed for products to clear customs in the hope of boosting bilateral trade.

"The pacts will promote bilateral investment, offer protection to corporations and the large number of Taiwanese businessmen based on the mainland," Mr Chiang said.