Beijing criticized U.S. media outlets facing budget cuts by President Trump, calling them “notorious” for their reporting on China. Funding cuts have affected entities like Voice of America and Radio Free Asia, which have raised issues regarding human rights abuses in China. Former Cambodian leader Hun Sen supported the action, indicating a wider struggle over media freedoms.

On Tuesday, Beijing condemned U.S. media outlets targeted by President Donald Trump’s funding cuts, labeling them as having a “notorious” history regarding China. The announcement came as Cambodia’s former leader backed the funding freezes, commending the initiative as a measure against what he termed “fake news.” Trump signed an order last week to halt funding for institutions like Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA) as part of his broader budget reductions.

RFA was established to deliver news to regions with repressive press freedoms, notably China and North Korea. The outlet has consistently reported on sensitive matters that pertain to Chinese and other Asian autocracies. In response to inquiries regarding Trump’s decision, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning remarked that U.S. media has a well-documented reputation for biased reporting on China.

Further emphasizing this stance, the state-run Global Times critiqued VOA, labeling it a “lie factory” and indicating that its portrayal of freedom has led to its dismissal by the U.S. government. The editorial asserted that the narratives presented by VOA would ultimately become obsolete and mocked in public discourse. Moreover, criticism from Beijing toward Western media is not new, as it routinely restricts the operations of its domestic press.

Significantly, outlets like RFA have addressed contentious issues, including China’s human rights violations against ethnic groups in Xinjiang and Tibet, as well as the suppression of pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong. This reporting is available in several languages common in China, enhancing access to vital information amid domestic censorship.

Hun Sen, Cambodia’s long-standing authoritarian leader, applauded the funding cuts, recognizing Trump’s efforts to lead the fight against misinformation, particularly from state-funded media. His administration has been scrutinized by outlets like VOA and RFA due to its repressive policies against independent media. Additionally, in 2020, Beijing mandated that numerous U.S. media outlets, including VOA, submit detailed disclosures about their operations, amidst escalating tensions leading to the expulsion of U.S. journalists from China.

In conclusion, China’s reaction to U.S. funding cuts for media outlets illustrates its sensitivity to international reporting that it deems unfavorable. With the cessation of funding for institutions like VOA and RFA, the narrative surrounding media operations, particularly those critical of authoritarian regimes, is becoming increasingly polarized. The unfolding tensions between the U.S. and China regarding media freedoms signal a broader struggle over information dissemination and press independence.

Original Source: www.france24.com

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