Taiwan maintains status as a ‘free’ country: reportStaff writer, with CNATaiwan maintained its status as a “free” country and the second freest in Asia in the latest annual report released yesterday by the Washington-based democracy watchdog Freedom House. Taiwan’s vibrant and competitive democratic system has enabled regular, peaceful transfers of power since 2000, while protections for civil liberties remain generally strong, Freedom House said. Globally, freedom declined for the 20th consecutive year, which Freedom House described as a grim milestone, citing military coups, violence against peaceful protesters and attempts to erode constitutional safeguards. Elsewhere in Asia, China remained categorized as “not free,” with a score of 9, while Hong Kong was rated “partly free” with a score of 41. Bolivia, Fiji and Malawi were upgraded from “partly free” to “free,” citing competitive elections, improved judicial independence and the strengthening of rule of law, the report said.

Source: Taipei Times March 19, 2026 17:14 UTC