Tens Of Thousands Protest Taiwan Parliament Bills To 'Defend Democracy'

Tens of thousands gather outside parliament in Taipei to protest controversial bills proposed by opposition parties (Credit: AFP)

Tens of thousands of Taiwanese protesters rallied day and night outside parliament on Friday, as lawmakers inside traded insults, blows and theatrics over a series of bills to expand the legislature's power.

The issue has dominated conversations on the self-ruled island for the past week, eclipsing news of Beijing launching military drills around Taiwan to "punish" President Lai Ching-te.