Taiwan rises to 25th place in the 2024 Global Clean Reputation Index, reaching its highest ranking ever.

The international transparency organization announced the 2024 Global Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) on February 11th, with Taiwan ranking 25th, an increase of 3 places from 2023. The Agency of the Republic of China (Taiwan) stated that this 25th ranking is its best performance to date, surpassing 86% of countries evaluated globally.

According to the news release by the Agency of Justice of the Republic of China (Taiwan), in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), Taiwan ranked 25th out of 180 countries and regions evaluated globally. Among the 31 countries and regions in the Asia-Pacific region, Taiwan ranked 7th, following countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Bhutan, and Japan.

Since taking office, President Lai Ching-te has emphasized clean and diligent governance, committed to implementing the ideals of democratic governance and open government. Premier Su Tseng-chang has made zero tolerance for corruption a core value, while Minister of Justice Tseng Ming-chin has called on the anti-corruption agency to take the lead in preventing corruption and help government agencies build a trustworthy and responsive government.

Through the collaborative efforts of various ministries, the Republic of China’s ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index has risen from 28th to its best-ever 25th place. This achievement not only highlights a high recognition of clean governance but also signifies integrity as a core value upheld by Taiwanese society.

The Agency of Justice stated that Taiwan continues to promote various anti-corruption measures, enhancing international assessments externally and demonstrating the effectiveness of clean governance internally. These include adhering to international standards, implementing the United Nations Convention against Corruption, enhancing trade anti-corruption efforts with initiatives such as the “Taiwan-U.S. 21st Century Trade Initiative,” and promoting transparent governance through awards like the “Crystal Transparency Award.”

Moreover, Taiwan aims to gain international recognition by promoting the “Government Procurement Integrity Platform” as a global anti-corruption model and fostering public-private cooperation through platforms like the “Business Services Integrity Platform.” Embracing AI technology for anti-corruption efforts, Taiwan is injecting new energy into high-risk government procurement audits and enforcing stringent evidence and technology in anti-corruption teams.

The Agency of Justice emphasized that integrity is an endless journey that requires the support and participation of all citizens. Upholding the belief of “clean and diligent governance, striving for excellence,” the agency will align with Taiwan and the international community, promoting clean values to showcase Taiwan’s transparency and continue to write a new chapter for Taiwan.

The Taiwan Transparency Organization’s press release mentioned, “Our country’s rise in the rankings is due to decreases in the scores of Austria, France, and the United States. However, Taiwan’s score has dropped from 68 points in 2022 to 67 points for the past two years, indicating that ‘there is no honeymoon period for integrity in governance,’ and the need to continuously strengthen anti-corruption efforts.” The government should actively engage with international non-governmental organizations and relevant think tanks to enhance dialogue on Taiwan’s integrity and learn from successful experiences worldwide to improve the quality of integrity in the country.

Denmark once again topped the list as the world’s least corrupt country with a score of 90, followed by Finland with 88 points. On the other end, countries like South Sudan (8 points), Somalia (9 points), Venezuela (10 points), and Syria (12 points) were ranked as the most corrupt globally.