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

A democratic check or an abuse of power? Mass recall vote in Taiwan polarizes island after months of paralysis.

As they kicked off the largest joint military exercises in Australia’s history with a press conference in Sydney earlier this month, U.S. commanders gave a simple explanation for why 35,000 troops from 19 nations were simulating high-tech warfare.

From there, the train slowed to a leisurely 20 miles per hour so that passengers could fully appreciate Taiwan's coast and shoreline views. Though nothing outside could compete with the moment a uniformed attendant arrived bearing a two-tiered, Tiffany-blue box filled with desserts, accompanied by a souvenir menu with pop-up paper cutouts.

The frequent incursions and maritime operations reflect rising tensions between Taiwan and China, a relationship long fraught with geopolitical strain

Responding to the outcome, Chen Binhua, a spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said the DPP, driven by its pursuit of "Taiwan independence" and avarice for one-party monopoly, repeatedly stirred up political strife at the expense of Taiwan people's well-being.

Two companies have recently seen their stock prices head higher on optimism about the future growth in AI spending. Palantir Technologies ( PLTR 2.59%) shares are up 93% from their April low, as of this writing. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ( TSM 1.60%) is up 67% in that same period.

On July 26, Taiwan will set a new record for a developed democracy, holding recall referendums for 24 opposition legislators as well as one opposition mayor. This is nothing to be proud of; the mass recalls of more than a fifth of Taiwan’s legislature are the latest sign of a political crisis that has largely gone unnoticed internationally.