Taiwan's government said the island's largest-ever recall vote has faced "unprecedented" election interference by China, which claims the democratically governed island as its own, over Taiwan's rejection.

Thousands of Taiwanese are heading to the polls in an unprecedented and controversial vote aimed at ousting lawmakers accused of being too close to China. More than 30 lawmakers have been targeted in the "dabamian", or Great Recall vote, initiated by a civic movement.

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