A group of demonstrators splashed paint on a gate of President Ma Ying-jeou’s official residence late Friday to protest against China’s plan to launch a new flight path close to Taiwan.
The incident occurred as 12 protestors gathered outside the residence on Friday night. All 12 protestors were immediately arrested by the police. The protestors were from the pro-independence Taiwan Solidarity Union.
China unilaterally announced a controversial flight route and is set to launch it on Monday. Taiwan’s aviation and other authorities had initially opposed the plan, saying that the path was located too close to Taiwan and could pose safety risks for Taiwanese commercial flights and the country’s national security.
However, after recent consultation between the two sides, Taiwan’s government said Beijing had agreed to move the path closer to China. Beijing also said that it had asked for Taiwan’s understanding.
The protestors accused the Ma administration of failing to protect Taiwan’s national security and failing to block China’s plan.