Taiwan goes to the polls

Taiwan voted in a tight presidential election on Saturday to decide who will manage crucial relations with China for the next four years, in elections which are being eagerly watched by the United States.

The current Taiwanese President, Ma Ying-jeou, is seeking a second term in office, but is facing a strong challenge from the opposition leader, Tsai Ing-wen.

China regards the island as a breakaway province and wants unification Ma has greatly improved ties with China, but Ms Tsai says his approach could endanger Taiwan's sovereignty.

Beijing and Washington are watching closely, as victory for Ma, 61, would likely be seen as a renewed mandate for policies that have raised exchanges with China to unprecedented levels and yielded a sweeping trade pact.

By contrast, a win for 55-year-old Tsai could usher in a period of uncertainty in ties with China, as her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has traditionally favoured distancing the island from the mainland.

Taiwan has been suffering its worst economic downturn in decades and unemployment has been rising. However, most voters still view relations with China as the most important issue.

During Ma's presidency, regular direct flights and shipping links have been established with China and a landmark trade deal has been signed that cuts tariffs on hundreds of Taiwanese exports to the mainland.