Trump's VOA funding cuts celebrated by Chinese media
Chinese state media is celebrating a recent decision by US President Donald Trump to cut funding for Voice of America (VOA) and other US-funded news outlets. The Global Times, a newspaper linked to the Communist Party, described the cuts as a victory against what it calls "Western propaganda." It claimed that VOA had been "discarded" by the US government. The cuts mean that almost all VOA staff are now on leave. This decision also affects Radio Free Asia and other similar outlets. These news organizations are known for reporting on sensitive issues like human rights in Xinjiang and Tibet, which the Chinese government often denies. Press freedom advocates are worried that these cuts will make it harder to report on important topics. Chinese officials did not openly support the funding cuts but criticized the media outlets. A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry stated that these outlets have poor records in reporting about China. Other authoritarian leaders, like Cambodia's former Prime Minister Hun Sen, also praised the cuts, viewing them as a way to silence Western criticism. Critics in the US argue that these cuts will help China by reducing independent media that challenge its narrative. Clayton Weimers from Reporters Without Borders warned that authoritarian regimes would benefit from the loss of US media influence. He said that they would fill the gap with their own propaganda. In Washington, leaders are expressing concerns about the long-term effects of the cuts. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi noted that these media outlets provide vital information to people living under oppressive regimes. He emphasized their role in countering Chinese propaganda. Currently, China ranks low on the global press freedom index, and its media is heavily controlled. With US media weakened, experts believe China might take the chance to influence global narratives more effectively. Overall, China's media sees the funding cuts as a significant setback for the US in the battle of ideas.