Taiwan is using two international rankings to push a broader diplomatic opening toward the Islamic world, a modest but positive signal for the island's efforts to build ties outside its usual partners.

• Taiwan received a perfect score for religious freedom in a Freedom House assessment.
• It also tied with the UK for third place among non-OIC destinations in the 2026 Global Muslim Travel Index.
• President Lai Ching-te framed both results as proof that respecting different faiths is a core Taiwanese value, not just a tourism strategy.
• Airports, train stations, national parks and highway rest stops now have prayer rooms and washing facilities, and more than 350 restaurants hold halal certification.
• Lai said the government will keep improving where it falls short and wants deeper partnerships with Muslim-majority countries.

Outlook: Expect Taipei to keep expanding halal and prayer infrastructure as a soft-power route to closer ties with the Islamic world.