Protests are escalating in Taiwan over a controversial opposition bill that could strip the president of extensive powers.

Thousands of demonstrators are gathering in Taipei to protest against a controversial law that could give the opposition greater investigative powers and limit the authority of President Lai Ching-te, Bloomberg reports. The protests are among the largest since the student movement in 2014.

Protesters are outraged that the two opposition parties put the bill straight to a vote, without the usual clause-by-clause discussion in committee.

The proposed changes could expand lawmakers’ ability to subpoena the president, corporations and even the general public for questioning and give them access to confidential documents.

There were tumultuous scenes in the legislature as MPs from the president’s party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), protested against the changes. There were also physical altercations. “The DPP is a violent party,” shouted opposition MPs.

President Lai, in a post on X, appealed to the legislature to listen to the voices of citizens and return to normality as quickly as possible. Despite the opposition majority in parliament and the possible inevitability of the law, Lai’s party could seek a constitutional review if passed.

During these domestic political disputes, the conflict with the People’s Republic of China continues to be in focus. Meanwhile, China accuses the US of breaking its pledge not to have official contacts with Taiwan.

This development sends “wrong signals” to separatist forces in Taiwan. Foreign Minister Mao called on the US government to stay out of China’s affairs, according to reports from the pro-Kremlin news agency Tass. She announced that China would take all necessary measures to protect itself.

Michael McCaul, chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, made it clear during a meeting in Taipei with Taiwan’s Prime Minister Lai Ching-te that the US would continue to supply Taiwan with defensive weapons. Despite attempts at intimidation and coercion, visits by US lawmakers to the island will not be stopped. McCaul emphasized that China was clearly not interested in a peaceful takeover.

Taiwan has been under its own administration since 1949, after the Kuomintang troops under Chiang Kai-shek withdrew there following their defeat in the Chinese Civil War. To this day, Taipei retains the flag and some other features of the former Republic of China, which existed before the communist takeover on the mainland. However, the majority of all states, including Russia, at least officially support Beijing’s view that Taiwan is part of China.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te recently thanked the pilots who defended Taiwan during recent Chinese military maneuvers around the island. This is reported by the news agency “Reuters”.

In response to Lai’s inaugural speech, which labeled China “separatist,” China conducted two days of so-called “punishment” exercises, which were condemned by Taiwan. Taiwan stressed that only its own people can decide its future, and Lai repeatedly offered talks.

During a visit to the east coast of the island, at the Hualien Air Force Base, Lai personally thanked the pilots of the modern F-16Vs fighter jets for their service. He stressed the importance of their 24-hour readiness to ensure air surveillance and protect national security.