2025 Global Freedom Report: Taiwan Scores 94, China Only 9

Feb 28, 2025

The Washington-based human rights think tank Freedom House released the 2025 Global Freedom Report on Wednesday (February 26).

Out of a total score of 100, China and Tibet received only 9 and 0 points respectively, continuing to be classified as “Not Free” countries or regions. Hong Kong scored 40 points, placing it in the “Partly Free” category, while Taiwan maintained a high score of 94, earning a “Free” rating.

This marks the 52nd edition of the Global Freedom Report by Freedom House, which evaluates countries based on two key indicators: “Political Rights” and “Civil Liberties”, each weighted at 40 and 60 points respectively.

Among these, China’s “Political Rights” were rated at negative 2, and “Civil Liberties” at 11, totaling 9 points, once again categorizing it as a “Not Free” country.

In 2017, China had a score of 15, with “Political Rights” at 1 point and “Civil Liberties” at 14 points, but the score has consistently declined year after year. Since **2021, China’s score has remained at 9.

Freedom House pointed out that China’s authoritarian regime has intensified its repressive measures in recent years. The ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has tightened control over nearly all aspects of citizens’ lives and governance, including government agencies, media, online speech, religious activities, universities, businesses, and civil society organizations.

Earlier in February, Freedom House also released a report on transnational repression, highlighting that most global cases of transnational repression are conducted by ten authoritarian governments, with China being one of the primary perpetrators. The report cites examples such as China’s pursuit of Uyghur groups in Egypt, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Between 2014 and 2024, China was involved in 272 cases of transnational repression, accounting for 22% of all recorded cases worldwide.

(Source: VOA)