Thousands of Taiwanese farmers have staged a raucous protest, challenging the island's president to resist American pressure to lift an import ban on U.S. beef containing a growth additive.

The protest outside the legislature Thursday comes as newly
re-elected President Ma Ying-jeou seeks to strengthen ties with the
U.S. by resolving the long-standing beef dispute.

Taiwan's Cabinet this week unveiled a plan to lift a ban on U.S.
beef found with minimal traces of ractopamine, a meat leaning
additive.

Taiwan's opposition opposes the plan, citing health concerns.
Hog farmers are worried that more beef imports could drive down
pork prices.

The U.S. has long been an important partner for diplomatically
isolated Taiwan, claimed by China as part of its territory.