By Yimou Lee TAIPEI (Reuters) -Voters in Taiwan were casting ballots on Saturday on whether to recall one-fifth of the island's parliament, all from the major opposition party, in a move supporters hope will send a message to China and opponents say is an assault on democracy.

Taiwan says China has no right to intervene in the recall vote on lawmakers whom activists see as cozying up to Beijing. China views Taiwan as its own territory.Taiwan will hold the largest recall vote in its history this weekend.

An unprecedented recall vote could hand President Lai Ching-te more power by ousting legislative opponents. It could also prompt a response from China.