Chinese nationalists and state media are celebrating the sudden shutdown of Voice of America, VOA and Radio Free Asia, RFA and other US government-funded broadcasters after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle them. The move has drawn mixed reactions, with Beijing hailing it as a victory while critics warn of growing authoritarian influence.

For decades, VOA and RFA have provided independent news coverage in China, often exposing human rights abuses, religious persecution, and political repression. Their reporting has frequently clashed with the Chinese Communist Party’s official narrative, making them a target of Beijing’s propaganda machine.

The Global Times, a Communist Party-controlled newspaper, called VOA a “lie factory” with a “disgraceful record” on China. The paper accused the outlet of spreading falsehoods about the country, including reports on Xinjiang’s alleged human rights abuses, South China Sea disputes, and Beijing’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

On Chinese social media, nationalist commentators mocked the shutdown. Hu Xijin, former editor-in-chief of the Global Times, described it as “truly gratifying,” while another commentator said, “I’m laughing my head off!” Some users even thanked Trump, sarcastically referring to him as “Chuan Jianguo” or “Trump, the Chinese nation builder.”

VOA has played a crucial role in providing uncensored news to the Chinese public. During the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, its Chinese-language radio broadcasts became a lifeline for protestors seeking reliable information. Though its radio service ended in 2011, its online presence has continued to challenge Beijing’s control over information.

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RFA, launched in 1996, has also been a major voice for ethnic minorities in China. It broadcasts in Uyghur, Tibetan, and other languages spoken by groups that have faced government suppression. Its closure raises concerns about the future of independent reporting on China’s treatment of these communities.

The Trump administration defended the executive order, stating that shutting down these media organizations would “end taxpayer-funded radical propaganda.” However, press freedom advocates argue that the decision plays into the hands of authoritarian regimes that seek to suppress independent journalism.

While the US cuts funding for its international broadcasters, China is rapidly expanding its global media influence. Under President Xi Jinping, the country has invested heavily in state-run outlets to counter what it sees as Western bias. In 2018, Beijing merged three state-run networks to create Voice of China, a massive media conglomerate targeting foreign audiences.

This shift raises concerns about the balance of global information. With the US pulling back, China has a growing opportunity to shape international narratives, particularly in regions where its influence is expanding. Experts warn that this could lead to an unchecked flow of Chinese state propaganda in the absence of independent reporting.

The closure of VOA and RFA marks the end of an era for US international broadcasting. Whether this move strengthens China’s hold over global media or leads to new alternatives remains to be seen.

Reported by CNN