Taiwan

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Tens of thousands of Taiwanese marched in the streets of the capital Saturday to protest the president's efforts to improve relations with rival China. The protest was the first mass rally against President Ma Ying-jeou since his inauguration about 100 days ago. It came amid worries among some people that Ma's efforts to boost Taiwan's economy with China's help could threaten the island's sovereignty. Taiwan and China split amid civil war in 1949. China continues to claim the island as part of its territory and threatens to attack if Taiwan moves to make the break permanent. Since taking office, Ma has turned the corner on his predecessor's aggressive anti-China stance and sought closer ties with the mainland.