Washington, D.C. – The recent budget cuts to Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA) by the U.S. government have sparked mixed reactions globally, with Chinese state media celebrating the move as a setback for U.S.-funded independent journalism. The funding reductions, part of a broader government spending cut, have forced these agencies to place hundreds of employees on administrative leave, significantly impacting their operations.
Chinese Government Responds to Budget Cuts
At a press briefing on March 18, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning declined to comment on the specifics of the cuts. Still, she took the opportunity to criticize VOA and RFA, stating that their reporting on China-related issues had been biased and misleading.
“Their poor reporting on China issues has long been evident,” Mao remarked, a sentiment echoed by China’s state-run media, which hailed the cuts as a blow to U.S. influence in the region.
The editorial added that the outlet had backed rioters involved in the 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests, as well as separatists in Taiwan, which China considers to be a part of its territory. It further accused the VOA of “playing a key role behind nearly every malicious and absurd anti-China falsehood”.
Mr Hu Xijin, former Global Times editor-in-chief, called the “paralysis” of the likes of VOA and RFA “gratifying” in a March 16 social media post.
READ MORE: Voice of America (VOA) face major budget cuts as US slashes government media funding
In the post, he recounted his experience on a VOA program a decade ago and said that he was denied the chance to rebut points made by an anti-China scholar then.
Mr Hu, who has 24.9 million followers on the popular microblogging platform Weibo, said: “The VOA hosts were aggressive, and would cut me off whenever I tried to elaborate on my points.”
He said: “This is how the VOA fakes objectivity… and I believe that the Chinese people are pleased to see the collapse of America’s anti-China ideological strongholds from within.”
A Straits Times search on March 18 of “VOA” and “RFA” on Weibo, a gauge of public interest on current affairs, yielded zero results – a sign that discussions on the two titles have been censored.
Impact on VOA and RFA Employees
The budget slashes, ordered under former President Donald Trump, have had severe consequences for both organizations:
Voice of America (VOA): The funding cuts have led to nearly 1,300 staff members being placed on administrative leave, affecting journalists, producers, and editorial staff worldwide.
Radio Free Asia (RFA): Although operating on a smaller scale, RFA has also seen significant layoffs, with several dozen employees losing their positions.
VOA Chairman Speaks Out
In response to the cuts, VOA Chairman Michael Abramowitz condemned the decision, calling it a serious blow to press freedom. “For the first time in 83 years, the storied Voice of America is being silenced,” he said. “This is not just about jobs; it’s about the ability to provide factual, independent news to audiences in countries where free press is under threat.”
A Victory for Authoritarian Regimes?
VOA and RFA have historically played a crucial role in countering state-controlled narratives in China, Russia, and other authoritarian regimes. With these cuts, analysts warn that U.S. influence in global information warfare may weaken, giving authoritarian governments more control over public discourse.
As the debate over government spending continues, many fear these cuts will leave millions of people without access to unbiased news, making them more vulnerable to state propaganda.
91 Comments
Honestly, I’m obsessed with these CBD gummies like legal thc gummies ! I’ve tried a lot of brands, but these are legit the best. I go off visit united after a protracted daytime and it ethical helps me influenza exposed and a halt overthinking everything.
They touch like actual sweets no odd grassy flavor at all. My drop has been fail elevate surpass since I started enchanting them, too. If you’re on the tergiversate, exactly get them! They’re a total lifesaver on the side of my routine stress.
I’ve been using cbd infused products regular on account of during the course of a month at the moment, and I’m truly impressed at near the sure effects. They’ve helped me judge calmer, more balanced, and less solicitous throughout the day. My saw wood is deeper, I wake up refreshed, and straight my pinpoint has improved. The value is outstanding, and I cognizant the common ingredients. I’ll positively keep buying and recommending them to the whole world I be aware!
I have been surfing online greater than three hours nowadays, but I by no means found any fascinating article like yours. It¦s lovely worth enough for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content material as you did, the web can be a lot more helpful than ever before.
Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful information specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info much. I was seeking this certain information for a long time. Thank you and good luck.
Hello would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m having a tough time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique. P.S Sorry for getting off-topic but I had to ask!
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Cheers!
Hello, i believe that i noticed you visited my weblog so i came to “go back the desire”.I am trying to find things to improve my web site!I suppose its ok to make use of a few of your ideas!!
Respect to post author, some superb entropy.
Hi my family member! I want to say that this post is amazing, nice written and come with approximately all vital infos. I would like to look extra posts like this .
I appreciate, cause I found just what I was looking for. You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!
Wonderful work! This is the type of info that should be shared around the net. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my web site . Thanks =)
I do love the way you have framed this concern and it does present me personally a lot of fodder for thought. On the other hand, coming from what I have personally seen, I basically hope as the commentary stack on that folks continue to be on point and in no way embark upon a tirade regarding some other news du jour. Still, thank you for this outstanding piece and though I can not necessarily go along with it in totality, I respect the perspective.
Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and all. However just imagine if you added some great visuals or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this blog could definitely be one of the very best in its field. Superb blog!
Precisely what I was looking for, thanks for putting up.
My brother suggested I would possibly like this web site. He was entirely right. This submit actually made my day. You cann’t believe just how much time I had spent for this information! Thank you!
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all is required to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100 sure. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers
There’s noticeably a bundle to find out about this. I assume you made certain nice factors in features also.
I was reading through some of your content on this website and I believe this site is real informative! Retain putting up.
As I website owner I believe the written content here is really fantastic, regards for your efforts.
We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with useful information to work on. You have performed a formidable task and our entire community shall be thankful to you.
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your excellent post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!
I am really loving the theme/design of your blog. Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility problems? A few of my blog readers have complained about my site not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari. Do you have any tips to help fix this issue?
Valuable information. Lucky me I found your site unintentionally, and I am stunned why this coincidence didn’t came about earlier! I bookmarked it.
I do not even know the way I stopped up here, but I assumed this submit was great. I do not understand who you’re however definitely you are going to a well-known blogger for those who aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
I couldn’t resist commenting
Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and all. However imagine if you added some great visuals or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and clips, this website could definitely be one of the best in its field. Terrific blog!
I’ve read some just right stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much effort you set to make one of these wonderful informative site.
I will right away grab your rss as I can’t find your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Please let me know in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.
Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all of us you really understand what you are talking approximately! Bookmarked. Please additionally seek advice from my web site =). We could have a hyperlink change arrangement among us!
You made some decent factors there. I looked on the web for the issue and found most individuals will associate with with your website.
Yeah bookmaking this wasn’t a risky conclusion great post! .
This design is wicked! You most certainly know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good success. If you know of any please share. Kudos!
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was wondering what all is required to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web smart so I’m not 100 positive. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers
You have brought up a very wonderful points, thankyou for the post.
Pretty! This was a really wonderful post. Thank you for your provided information.
excellent post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector do not notice this. You should continue your writing. I’m sure, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!
Way cool, some valid points! I appreciate you making this article available, the rest of the site is also high quality. Have a fun.
Hello, Neat post. There is a problem together with your site in internet explorer, may test this… IE still is the marketplace leader and a huge portion of people will pass over your magnificent writing because of this problem.
Wow, incredible blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is excellent, as well as the content!
I’ve learn several just right stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much attempt you place to make the sort of fantastic informative website.
I beloved up to you’ll receive performed proper here. The comic strip is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish. nevertheless, you command get got an shakiness over that you want be delivering the following. ill indisputably come more before once more as precisely the same just about a lot ceaselessly within case you protect this increase.
Hi there! I just wish to give an enormous thumbs up for the good data you’ve got here on this post. I can be coming back to your blog for extra soon.
Howdy! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when viewing from my iphone. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to fix this problem. If you have any recommendations, please share. Many thanks!
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!
Hello, you used to write fantastic, but the last few posts have been kinda boring?K I miss your great writings. Past several posts are just a little bit out of track! come on!
Lovely just what I was searching for.Thanks to the author for taking his time on this one.
I appreciate, cause I found just what I was looking for. You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site offered us with valuable information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our whole community will be thankful to you.
Good day! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!
Some genuinely nice stuff on this web site, I like it.
I gotta favorite this internet site it seems invaluable very useful
I believe you have observed some very interesting points, thanks for the post.
Great work! This is the type of info that should be shared around the net. Shame on Google for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my web site . Thanks =)
Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way to much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!
I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my problem. You are amazing! Thanks!
Hello.This post was extremely fascinating, especially since I was looking for thoughts on this topic last Sunday.
I like this web blog very much, Its a rattling nice situation to read and get info . “A fair exterior is a silent recommendation.” by Publilius Syrus.
Hey very nice website!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…I am happy to find so many useful information here in the post, we need develop more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is wonderful blog. An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back.
I believe this internet site has got very great indited content material content.
hello there and thanks for your info – I have certainly picked up something new from proper here. I did then again experience some technical points the use of this site, as I skilled to reload the web site many instances previous to I could get it to load correctly. I were puzzling over in case your web host is OK? Now not that I’m complaining, but slow loading cases times will very frequently impact your placement in google and can harm your high-quality rating if ads and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Anyway I am adding this RSS to my email and could glance out for much extra of your respective intriguing content. Ensure that you replace this once more soon..
Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your post seem to be running off the screen in Firefox. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The layout look great though! Hope you get the issue fixed soon. Kudos
Respect to op, some good entropy.
I like this post, enjoyed this one thanks for posting.
When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and all. But think of if you added some great visuals or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and video clips, this blog could certainly be one of the greatest in its field. Awesome blog!
Very interesting points you have mentioned, thanks for putting up. “In a great romance, each person plays a part the other really likes.” by Elizabeth Ashley.
magnificent put up, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector don’t notice this. You should proceed your writing. I’m sure, you have a huge readers’ base already!
Great beat ! I wish to apprentice at the same time as you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a blog web site? The account helped me a appropriate deal. I have been a little bit familiar of this your broadcast provided vivid clear idea
I see something genuinely special in this site.
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I will certainly comeback.
This is a very good tips especially to those new to blogosphere, brief and accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article.
You are my inspiration , I possess few web logs and occasionally run out from to post .
I have been surfing online greater than 3 hours these days, but I never found any attention-grabbing article like yours. It’s pretty value enough for me. Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you probably did, the web might be much more helpful than ever before.
I’ve been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thanks , I’ll try and check back more often. How frequently you update your website?
Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very helpful info specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.
I do agree with all the ideas you have presented in your post. They are very convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are too short for novices. Could you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.
Yay google is my king helped me to find this great website ! .
whoah this weblog is great i really like studying your posts. Stay up the great work! You know, many people are hunting round for this information, you can help them greatly.
so much excellent information on here, :D.
whoah this blog is great i love reading your articles. Keep up the great work! You know, lots of people are searching around for this info, you can help them greatly.
This web site is really a walk-through for all of the info you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you’ll definitely discover it.
Aw, this was a very nice post. In concept I wish to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and actual effort to make an excellent article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and certainly not seem to get something done.
I have been examinating out many of your stories and it’s nice stuff. I will surely bookmark your site.
There are some attention-grabbing closing dates in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There’s some validity however I’ll take maintain opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we wish more! Added to FeedBurner as effectively
I do agree with all of the ideas you have presented in your post. They’re really convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are very short for beginners. Could you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.
Thanx for the effort, keep up the good work Great work, I am going to start a small Blog Engine course work using your site I hope you enjoy blogging with the popular BlogEngine.net.Thethoughts you express are really awesome. Hope you will right some more posts.
Only wanna comment that you have a very decent internet site, I enjoy the design it actually stands out.