Chinese state media has welcomed Donald Trump’s decision to cut funding for Voice of America and Radio Free Asia, asserting the outlets have been discredited. The decision has resulted in significant job losses, with critics arguing it undermines democracy. The White House defends the cuts as a means to prevent taxpayer funding of “radical propaganda.” Significant concerns are raised about the impact on global journalism and the extension of authoritarian narratives.

Chinese state media has expressed approval of former President Donald Trump’s recent decision to cut public funding for the Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA), both of which have historically reported on authoritarian regimes. The cuts have led to significant layoffs, with approximately 1,300 employees at VOA placed on paid leave following the executive order implemented last Friday.

Critics of Trump’s actions assert that this move undermines democratic principles, while the Chinese state newspaper Global Times condemned VOA for its questionable reporting on China, stating it has been “discarded by its own government like a dirty rag.” The White House justified the cuts by asserting that they would prevent taxpayers from financing what they termed “radical propaganda.”

The cuts primarily affect the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which receives congressional funding to support global news outlets, including VOA, RFA, and Radio Free Europe. These organizations have garnered respect and acclaim globally for their journalism in countries where press freedom is either restricted or completely suppressed, including China, Russia, and North Korea.

Despite restrictions, many individuals in these countries can listen to broadcasts, either on shortwave radio or via VPNs. RFA, in particular, has reported on human rights violations in Cambodia and highlighted the existence of “re-education camps” in Xinjiang, where many Uyghur Muslims are allegedly held, a claim that the Chinese government denies. Notably, RFA has also produced award-winning reports about North Korea and the Chinese Communist Party’s handling of COVID-19 deaths.

VOA, primarily a radio service with a Mandarin broadcast, was acknowledged for its podcast covering protests in China against COVID-19 lockdowns. However, the Global Times accused VOA of serving as a “lie factory,” claiming that as more Americans gain a better understanding of China, the narratives perpetuated by VOA will be dismissed.

Former Global Times editor Hu Xijin commented on the cuts, stating that VOA and RFA have been “paralyzed.” Valdya Baraputri, a former VOA journalist who lost her position due to the cuts, expressed concerns that the elimination of VOA would foster an environment where less accurate reporting could prosper.

The National Press Club, representing American journalists, criticized the executive order for undermining the nation’s commitment to independent journalism. Established during World War II to counter propaganda, VOA currently reaches approximately 360 million people across nearly 50 languages and has been instrumental in broadcasting information to countries with stringent media controls.

Michael Abramowitz, VOA’s director, criticized Trump’s cuts as detrimental, stating they hinder VOA’s mission while adversarial states invest heavily in disinformation campaigns against the United States. Baraputri noted she felt betrayed regarding her hopes for press freedom in America, as many colleagues may face unsafe conditions in their home countries.

Meanwhile, the Czech Republic has sought EU intervention to continue funding Radio Free Europe, which broadcasts in 27 languages and serves over 47 million listeners weekly. RFA’s chief executive Bay Fang announced plans to contest the funding cuts, arguing they serve only to benefit global authoritarian regimes.

While Chinese officials have rejoiced at the funding cuts, the authentic views of the Chinese populace on these changes remain unclear, given the heavy censorship of their internet. Exiled individuals who have relied on VOA and RFA for information have expressed disappointment and concern for the implications of the funding cuts. Chinese dissident Du Wen articulated that silencing outlets like VOA and RFA could lead to authoritarian narratives prevailing unchecked in the global discourse.

In summary, the recent funding cuts to the Voice of America and Radio Free Asia by the Trump administration have received mixed reactions, with Chinese state media praising the decision while critics caution against its implications for press freedom and democracy. The layoffs of hundreds of journalists not only threaten independent reporting but could also embolden authoritarian regimes worldwide. As discussions continue, the real-time sentiment in China remains obscured by censorship, and the international journalistic community expresses deep concern regarding the future of independent reportage.

Original Source: www.bbc.com

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