Voting under way in Taiwan’s critical elections watched closely by China

Polls opened on Saturday in Taiwan’s presidential and parliamentary elections which China has framed as a choice between war and peace and are happening as Beijing ramps up pressure to get the island to accept its sovereignty.
Taiwan has been a democratic success story since holding its first direct presidential election in 1996, the culmination of decades of struggle against authoritarian rule and martial law.
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which champions Taiwan’s separate identity and rejects China’s territorial claims, is seeking a third term in office with its candidate, current Vice President Lai Ching-te.
Speaking to reporters in the southern city of Tainan before voting, Lai encouraged people to cast their ballots.