Democracy
Beacon of East Asia – Taiwan’s Democracy
On February 26, 2025, Freedom House released its 2025 Global Freedom Report, in which Taiwan scored 94 points, second only to Japan in Asia. The following day, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) released the 2024 Democracy Index, ranking Taiwan as a “Full Democracy,” placing it 12th globally, even surpassing countries like the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom. These remarkable achievements highlight Taiwan’s emergence as a leader in democratic governance, not just in East Asia, but on the global stage.
Historical Background and Transformation
The journey towards democracy in Taiwan began with a significant political and social transformation. After the Republic of China government retreated to Taiwan in 1949, the island was under a military dictatorship. However, as Taiwan’s economy and society developed, there was an increasing demand for political freedoms and democratic reforms. In 1987, Taiwan lifted martial law, and in the subsequent years, the government introduced political reforms, including the opening up of political parties and media, as well as reforms in the legislative and electoral systems.
In 1991, Taiwan established the Legislative Yuan, and in 1992, the first legislative elections were held, marking an important milestone in Taiwan’s democratization process. The 1996 direct presidential election further demonstrated Taiwan’s democratic maturity when it successfully achieved a peaceful transfer of power.
Democratic Features: Vibrant Civil Society
Taiwan’s democracy is characterized by diversity and inclusiveness. The country holds free and fair elections, allowing its citizens to choose their leaders and participate in regular elections. Additionally, Taiwan boasts an independent judiciary and freedom of the press, safeguarding fundamental rights and free speech.
Another essential aspect of Taiwan’s democracy is its vibrant and engaged civil society. This active participation from the public extends beyond elections, as seen in the 2014 Sunflower Movement. The student-led protest, which opposed a trade agreement with China, brought thousands of people to the streets, occupying the legislature to demand greater transparency and public involvement in decision-making. The movement highlighted the power of public engagement in Taiwan’s democratic process and showcased the country’s commitment to ensuring that all voices are heard in political matters.
Human Rights Development: LGBTQ+ Rights
In addition to political and civil rights, Taiwan has made significant strides in the development of human rights, particularly in the area of LGBTQ+ rights. Taiwan stands out as a pioneer in Asia for its progressive stance on LGBTQ+ equality. In 2019, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, a landmark decision that was hailed as a major victory for human rights and equality.
The legalization of same-sex marriage not only reinforced Taiwan’s democratic values but also reflected the growing social acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. This development has been recognized internationally and further highlights Taiwan’s commitment to human rights and its inclusive democratic culture.
Challenges: China’s Interference & International Recognition
While Taiwan’s democracy continues to thrive, it faces significant challenges. The most prominent of these challenges is the ongoing interference from China, which views Taiwan as a part of its territory and actively seeks to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty and international standing.
According to Freedom House, Beijing has historically sought to indirectly influence elections through third parties and undermine public confidence in Taiwan’s political system. More significantly, in this digital era, Beijing has largely leveraged disinformation campaigns and its influence over certain media outlets and local agents to sow division within the nation. In its efforts to influence the 2024 elections, Beijing sponsored travel for local officials to mainland China as part of a strategy to mobilize an anti-DPP coalition.
On the other hand, China has also been publicly suppressing Taiwan’s international participation, distorting the interpretation of UN Resolution 2758. This resolution, passed in 1971, effectively excluded Taiwan from the United Nations, and Beijing has used it to block Taiwan’s involvement in global organizations. As a result, Taiwan remains excluded from key forums like the World Health Organization, despite its contributions to global issues.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Taiwan’s Global Presence
Despite challenges from China’s interference and limited international recognition, Taiwan remains committed to democracy and global cooperation. As Taiwan continues to contribute to global issues, its role on the world stage becomes increasingly important.
At TYIE, we are dedicated to advocating for Taiwan’s greater inclusion on the international stage and strengthening global ties. Taiwan’s resilience serves as a powerful example for democracies worldwide, and with continued international support, Taiwan will continue to shine as a beacon of democracy in East Asia.
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Author: Teresa Chuang