The Foreign Ministry highlighted Taiwan’s freedom of the press on Tuesday while answering media inquiries, stating that it is one of the best in the Asia-Pacific region.
During the ministry’s regular press conference, a Nikkei Asia reporter asked what policies and changes have been adopted by the government to support foreign journalists transferring to Taiwan, referring to the movement of journalists from Myanmar, Hong Kong and China due to the increasing restrictions in the media landscape in the surrounding region.
Ministry Spokesperson Jeff Liu (劉永健) said that the freedom and openness of Taiwan’s society is the reason why many foreign media choose to be stationed in Taiwan. Liu believes that in addition to information transparency, mature rule of law, and respect for diversity of opinion, Taiwan’s location makes it an ideal hub in the Indo-Pacific region.
Liu referred to a “Press Freedom Index” report by Reporters Without Borders ranking Taiwan 35th among 180 countries in May of this year. Another report published by U.S. based Freedom House ranked Taiwan 6th out of 70 countries in terms of internet freedom, one of the best in the Asia-Pacific region.
Liu cited statistics saying that as of November 30, there are 82 international media outlets and 174 journalists stationed in Taiwan with the numbers increasing year by year. He adds that all foreign media outlets are welcome and that the ministry will do its best to provide the necessary assistance with their entry and residency concerns here.