Shawdesh Desk: Millions of voters in Taiwan are going to the polls to elect a new president, in a decision that will shape the island’s relationship with China.

Tsai Ing-wen, running for a second term, favours the status quo, and does not want closer ties with Beijing.
Meanwhile her main rival, Han Kuo-yu, promises to ease tensions with China.

Two years ago, Ms Tsai’s party lost the local elections, but she is now ahead in the polls – which some observers attribute to the Hong Kong protests.

Ms Tsai has expressed support for the protesters, a popular stance with those who fear Taiwan being overtaken by mainland China.

Elections for Taiwan’s legislature, where Ms Tsai’s party hold a majority, are also taking place.

About 19 million people are registered to vote in Saturday’s election.

Polling stations are open from 08:00 to 16:00 (00:00 to 08:00 GMT) and results are expected before the end of the day.
What is Taiwan’s status?

For practical purposes, Taiwan is an independent state – it has its own elected government, constitution and military.

But China has claimed sovereignty over it since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949. It says Taiwan must eventually be reunited with China, by force if necessary.

China refuses to have diplomatic relations with any country that recognises Taiwan as a sovereign nation.