The ruling Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, is aiming for an unprecedented third term in office.

But no matter who wins the elections, security officials say Beijing's military and economic pressure on Taiwan could continue or even increase.

Taiwanese artist Chang is among millions of citizens who are expected to go to the polls this Saturday.

She is producing tote bags printed with images of the island's shape, and promoting the "Taiwan identity" she is proud of.

"I really hope that the candidate who can lead Taiwan to be a normalized country can be chosen. Now there are different camps that are perhaps more pro-China or in favor of different ideas, but I really think they have to return to thinking about Taiwan's local issues to be able to do something worthwhile for Taiwan."

So why is this election so crucial?

China considers Taiwan its own territory despite the objections of the island's government.

Beijing has framed the vote as a choice between "war and peace," and could hold new military drills around the island no matter who wins.

It has never renounced the use of force as an option for bringing Taiwan under control.

The U.S. will also be watching the election closely as the island has long been a thorny issue in its relations with Beijing.

Both major parties in Taiwan say the island is a sovereign country, but offer different views on relations with China.

Vice President Lai Ching-te, the DPP's presidential candidate, has urged people not to be swayed by threats.

But he has offered talks with Beijing and pledged not to upset the status quo.

The opposition Kuomintang calls the DPP separatists, and staunchly opposes independence.

Some voters are deterred by China's pressure.

"I want peace and for there to be more exchange between Taiwan and China, for example, trade and other collaboration."

The DPP says Chinese attempted to sway the election with fake news and military pressure - something Beijing strongly denies.

But while the vote takes place in the shadow of China, international policy analyst Stephen Tan believes domestic policies are also key.

"This is an election to uphold our own identity, to preserve what we have and to try to improve in the next year or years, as opposed to trying to showcase our attitude and trying to say no to China and try to make a big distinction and continue to fight with China. No, this is really our own election."