Friday marks World Press Freedom Day, and on Thursday, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) released its 2025 World Press Freedom Index. Taiwan rose from 27th to 24th place this year among 180 countries and territories, while China ranked third from the bottom.

RSF described Taiwan as a free and democratic society that broadly respects the principles of press freedom. However, it also noted that journalists in Taiwan remain affected by a highly polarized media environment driven by sensationalism and profit motives.

The report identified China as the world’s largest jailer of journalists, stating that the Chinese Communist Party is leading a global campaign to suppress media outlets and the right to information.

On the same day, the One Free Press Coalition—a global alliance of media organizations—released its annual “10 Most Urgent” list, spotlighting journalists imprisoned for reporting the truth. Among them are founder of Hong Kong’s Next Digital Jimmy Lai (黎智英), and the Taiwan-based Chinese editor-in-chief of Gusa Publishing Fucha (富察), both currently detained by Chinese authorities.

The United States ranked 57th in RSF’s 2025 index. The report cited worsening conditions for press freedom during President Donald Trump’s second term, calling the situation deeply concerning.