Thousands protest in Taiwan against pork imports from US

Sources identified the official as Navy Rear Admiral Michael Studeman, the top military intelligence official at US Indo-Pacific command.

"We have very close ties with Taiwan".

Taiwan is a democratic, self-ruled island, But Beijing claims it as its own territory.

The dialogue, which Taiwan hopes may lead eventually to a free-trade agreement, is part of increased US engagement with Taipei under the outgoing administration of US President Donald Trump, which has angered Beijing.

This weekend Reuters reported that Rear Admiral Michael Studeman, the director of the J2, which oversees intelligence at the U.S. military's Indo-Pacific Command, had made a secretive visit.

According to the Navy's website, Studeman is director of the J2, which oversees intelligence, at the us military's Indo-Pacific Command.

- A US Navy Admiral has made an unannounced visit to Taiwan.

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The latest dialogue is seen as an economic bid by the USA to put pressure on China.

"However, the goal on both sides has been to keep these military-to-military exchanges discreet, so they can continue on a regularized basis", he said.

Thousands of people took to Taipei's streets on Sunday for the annual "Autumn Struggle" protest march organised by labour groups, with much of the anger focused on the government's decision to ease restrictions on imports of US pork. "We urge the U.S. side to fully recognise the high sensitivity of the Taiwan issue", said spokesman Zhao Lijian.

Data on flight-tracking website planefinder.net showed a private flight arriving from Hawaii to Songshan Airport late yesterday afternoon, shortly before the United Daily News published the pictures on its website.

China has already lodged "stern representations" with the United States, which should stop having these kinds of interactions with Taiwan, he added.

Thousands of people marched in Taipei's streets on Sunday demanding the reversal of a decision to allow USA pork imports into Taiwan, alleging food safety issues. United States media said that trip is likely next month.