Taiwan opposition leaders yesterday planned a fresh wave of street protests to coincide with a visit next week by China's top negotiator as 7,000 police officers prepared to stand guard. China claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own and has threatened to use force, if necessary, to bring the island under its rule. But the two sides have established new trade and transit links since Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou took office in May. Chen Yunlin, Beijing's top negotiator on Taiwan affairs, is expected to visit the island for his first time from Nov. 3-7 to discuss new direct flights and food safety.

About 7,000 police officers will be ready to handle any upsets, Taiwan National Police Agency Director-General Wang Cho-chiun told reporters yesterday. ?Of course they're to protect Chen Yunlin and to ensure public safety,? police agency news official Wang Chi-chung said.