UN anti-corruption review says Taiwan needs better political donation and lobbying transparency
An international panel gave Taiwan strong marks on clean government but flagged weak spots in political money and lobbying — mixed news for a country that markets itself as a democratic model.
- Five foreign reviewers wrapped up a two-day check of Taiwan's third national report under the UN anti-corruption convention.
- They praised 41 things Taiwan does well, led by open government procurement, clean-business efforts, and anti-money-laundering work.
- They also listed 78 problems, above all slow disclosure of political donations, murky lobbying, and unreliable company registration records.
- Reviewers want Taiwan to create criminal liability for companies, not just individuals, and to open up defense spending.
- The government says it will fold the criticism into new anti-corruption rules and report back at the next review.
Outlook: Expect pressure over the next four years to tighten political donation reporting and set up a real lobbying register.