Taiwan's president asks protesters to talk over trade deal

By Sophie Brown, CNN

Updated 1113 GMT (1913 HKT) March 26, 2014

A student protesting a trade pact between Taiwan and China applauds as leaders of the protest speak on the floor of Taiwan's Legislature on Monday, April 7, in Taipei. Protesters, mostly college students, have been camped out in Taiwan's Legislature building since March 18. They say the trade deal with China could harm Taiwan's economy, democratic system and national security. But supporters of the deal have also come out to express themselves.
Photos: Protests in Taiwan
Protests in Taiwan – A student protesting a trade pact between Taiwan and China applauds as leaders of the protest speak on the floor of Taiwan's Legislature on Monday, April 7, in Taipei. Protesters, mostly college students, have been camped out in Taiwan's Legislature building since March 18. They say the trade deal with China could harm Taiwan's economy, democratic system and national security. But supporters of the deal have also come out to express themselves.
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A protester sleeps on the floor of the Legislature building on Saturday, April 5.
Photos: Protests in Taiwan
Protests in Taiwan – A protester sleeps on the floor of the Legislature building on Saturday, April 5.
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Supporters of the trade pact clash with police in Taipei on Tuesday, April 1. The trade agreement was signed last year with the intention of easing investment and trade between mainland China and Taiwan.
Photos: Protests in Taiwan
Protests in Taiwan – Supporters of the trade pact clash with police in Taipei on Tuesday, April 1. The trade agreement was signed last year with the intention of easing investment and trade between mainland China and Taiwan.
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A supporter of the trade pact faints during clashes between protesters and police April 1 in Taipei.
Photos: Protests in Taiwan
Protests in Taiwan – A supporter of the trade pact faints during clashes between protesters and police April 1 in Taipei.
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Thousands of demonstrators gather in front of the Presidential Building to protest the trade deal Sunday, March 30, in Taipei.
Photos: Protests in Taiwan
Protests in Taiwan – Thousands of demonstrators gather in front of the Presidential Building to protest the trade deal Sunday, March 30, in Taipei.
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Demonstrators rally in Taipei on Saturday, March 29, asking students to retreat from the Legislature and return the government building to its normal working schedule.
Photos: Protests in Taiwan
Protests in Taiwan – Demonstrators rally in Taipei on Saturday, March 29, asking students to retreat from the Legislature and return the government building to its normal working schedule.
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Protesters who oppose the trade agreement hold a rally outside Taiwan's Legislature on Thursday, March 27.
Photos: Protests in Taiwan
Protests in Taiwan – Protesters who oppose the trade agreement hold a rally outside Taiwan's Legislature on Thursday, March 27.
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Protesters who oppose the trade agreement sit outside the Legislature during a demonstration in Taipei on Wednesday, March 26.
Photos: Protests in Taiwan
Protests in Taiwan – Protesters who oppose the trade agreement sit outside the Legislature during a demonstration in Taipei on Wednesday, March 26.
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Anti-media slogans are posted on a TV station's van during a rally outside the Legislature on Monday, March 24.
Photos: Protests in Taiwan
Protests in Taiwan – Anti-media slogans are posted on a TV station's van during a rally outside the Legislature on Monday, March 24.
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Protesters are sprayed with a water cannon during a demonstration outside the Executive Yuan building in Taipei on March 24.
Photos: Protests in Taiwan
Protests in Taiwan – Protesters are sprayed with a water cannon during a demonstration outside the Executive Yuan building in Taipei on March 24.
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Protesters storm government buildings in Taipei on March 24.
Photos: Protests in Taiwan
Protests in Taiwan – Protesters storm government buildings in Taipei on March 24.
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Students are removed by police after storming government buildings in Taipei on March 24.
Photos: Protests in Taiwan
Protests in Taiwan – Students are removed by police after storming government buildings in Taipei on March 24.
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