Tsai sells interests of residents to buy American support

Some media reports say the United States administration is reviewing the schedule of under-secretary of state Keith Krach's planned visit to Taiwan on Sept 17-19 to attend so-called high-level economic talks with the island leaders.

Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen's administration announced in late August that Taiwan will open up its market from next year to US pork with ractopamine, a feed additive to promote leanness in animals raised for their meat, and US beef more than 30 months old, despite fears that the slaughtered pigs and cattle could be infected by mad cow disease.

The decision has caused an outcry across the island, with pig farmers threatening to take to the streets in protest. To contain the mounting protests, some politicians have chosen to speak frankly, saying the decision to import US meat is part of a political exchange for bolstering Taiwan's standing globally with Washington's help.