A Chinese official left Taiwan on Friday after a turbulent visit that produced landmark trade agreements but also sparked angry protests by thousands opposed to China's claim of sovereignty over the self-ruled island. Chen Yunlin, China's top negotiator on Taiwan affairs, completed the highest-level visit to the island by a Communist leader since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949.
His visit, which included deals to open new trade and transit links and a brief meeting with President Ma Ying-jeou, eased official ties between two sides.