New Southbound Policy Portal

A total of 137 reporters from 75 international media outlets in 20 countries are stationed in Taiwan as of May 15, an increase of over one-third since 2020, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affair.

Many of the additions are from agencies basing journalists in Taiwan for the first time, the MOFA said. They hail from regions such as Latin America, Oceania, the South Pacific and West Asia, the ministry added.

This positive development reflects global recognition of Taiwan’s vibrant democracy and ongoing government efforts to cultivate a free and open press environment, the MOFA said. It also reflects declining media freedom in Hong Kong since implementation of the national security law and the consequent decision of outlets to relocate staff, the ministry added.

Equally important, the MOFA said, is Taiwan’s rise to 38th in the 2022 World Press Freedom Index released earlier this month by France-based Reporters Without Borders. The country is also rated free and sits second in Asia as per the latest Freedom in the World annual report issued by U.S.-based nongovernmental organization Freedom House, the ministry added.

The government will continue providing all necessary assistance to foster a convenient, diverse and free environment for members of the press, the MOFA said, adding that outlets around the globe are welcome to expand operations in Taiwan.

In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “#Taiwan is a defender of journalists ranked among the freest countries regionally & worldwide. We’re honored to host more & more members of the global media while promoting the cornerstones of good governance: access to information, accountability, transparency & rule of law.” (SFC-E)

Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw