Beijing reacted today to US President Donald Trump’s decision to defund several US-funded media outlets, saying these organizations had a “notorious” history of reporting on China. Meanwhile, Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen, welcomed the move, describing it as a step towards “combating fake news.”
Trump’s recent executive order freezes federal funding for Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Asia (RFA), Radio Free Europe, and other outlets, as part of broader budget cuts to US government spending. These media organizations have long provided news coverage in countries where press freedom is restricted, including China and North Korea.
For years, RFA has reported extensively on sensitive issues in China, such as alleged human rights abuses against Uyghurs in Xinjiang, government crackdowns on democracy activists in Hong Kong, and suppression of freedoms in Tibet. Many of these topics are heavily censored in China, and foreign news coverage on them is frequently blocked online.
Asked about Trump’s decision during a routine press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning declined to comment on internal US policies. However, she stated: “I think it is no secret that some of the US media you mentioned have a notorious track record in reporting on China.”
Chinese state media took a stronger stance. The Global Times, a state-backed nationalist tabloid, ran an editorial calling VOA a “lie factory.” The article criticized the outlet, stating:
“The so-called beacon of freedom, VOA, has now been discarded by its own government like a dirty rag.” It further argued that “the demonizing narratives propagated by VOA will ultimately become a laughingstock of the times.”
China has long accused Western media of biased reporting and places strict controls on foreign journalists operating within its borders. Over the years, Beijing has expelled multiple foreign correspondents and imposed restrictions on domestic press outlets to limit reporting on politically sensitive topics.
Cambodia’s Former Leader Applauds Trump’s Decision
In Cambodia, former Prime Minister Hun Sen praised Trump’s move, saying the decision demonstrated “his courage to lead the world in combating fake news, starting with news outlets funded by the US government.”
Hun Sen, who ruled Cambodia for nearly four decades with an iron grip, has often been the target of critical reports by VOA and RFA. His government has shut down multiple independent news organizations over the years, with press freedom groups accusing him of stifling dissent and suppressing opposition voices.
Both VOA and RFA have covered allegations of corruption, election manipulation, and human rights abuses under his administration. The defunding of these outlets could significantly impact independent news coverage in Cambodia, where press freedoms have been steadily eroding.
The Broader Implications
Trump’s decision to cut funding for these media organizations comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and China. In recent years, the two countries have clashed over trade, technology, human rights, and media restrictions.
In 2020, Beijing ordered several US media outlets, including VOA, to disclose detailed information about their operations in China.
The move was seen as retaliation for Washington’s decision to label Chinese state media outlets as foreign propaganda arms. That same year, Beijing expelled more than a dozen US journalists working for major American news organizations.
While Trump’s funding freeze is framed as a cost-cutting measure, critics argue that it weakens America’s ability to promote press freedom and counter disinformation in authoritarian states. Supporters of the move, however, believe that US-funded media should be re-evaluated to ensure they serve national interests rather than pursuing independent editorial policies that may not align with government priorities.
The decision also raises questions about the future of US-backed journalism in countries where free speech is under threat. Without financial support, these media outlets may struggle to continue their operations, potentially leaving millions of people without access to independent news sources.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Trump’s move has sparked strong reactions, with China and Cambodia celebrating the decision while press freedom advocates express concern over its long-term consequences.
