Tensions are high in Taiwan as threats from China and anger over political deadlock take center stage in an election to recall opposition lawmakers.

Taiwanese voters rejected a bid to oust about one-fifth of their lawmakers, all from the opposition Nationalist Party, in a recall election Saturday, dampening hopes for the ruling party to flip the balance of power in the self-ruled island’s legislature.

The votes could reshape the island democracy's parliament and the government's approach to its powerful neighbor.