Mainland China is still at the bottom five with one of the most censored media in the world. International watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) published its annual World Press Freedom Index which ranks 180 countries relative to their freedom of the press. 

China is placed at 176th, beating only Syria, Turkmenistan, North Korea, and Eritrea, respectively. It was at the 175th in 2014.

Like Us on Facebook

Finland, The Netherland, and Norway have the most press freedom, according to the report. 
"It is unfortunately clear that many of the world's leaders are developing a form of paranoia about legitimate journalism," said RSF secretary general Christophe Deloire. 

The report noted that the Europe is the continent with the least press clampdown with 19.8 points followed by a wide margin by Africa with 36.9 points, surpassing the Americas with 37.1.   

Asia and Eastern Europe trails closely with 43.8 and 48.4, respectively, while the North Africa/Middle East region have the strictest media regulations with 50.8. 

"Guaranteeing the public's right to independent and reliable news and information is essential if humankind's problems, both local and global, are to be solved," Deloire added. 

Journalism worthy of the name must be defended against the increase in propaganda and media content that is made to order or sponsored by vested interests. 

Taiwan remained at the 51st place while Hong Kong inched higher to 69th place.  

Tagschina, press freedom, China press freedom, Reporters Without Borders, China censorship, Media censorship