Polls have closed in Taiwan’s presidential and parliamentary election that will chart the trajectory of the self-ruled democracy’s relations with China over the next four years. At stake is the peace and stability of the island, 160 kilometres (100 miles) off the coast of China, that Beijing claims as its own and to be retaken by force if necessary. Domestic issues such as the sluggish economy and expensive housing also featured prominently in the campaign. China has called the poll a choice between war and peace. Beijing strongly opposes the front-runner in the presidential race, current Vice…