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Washington D.C. – Radio Free Asia (RFA) has resumed broadcasting to audiences in China in Mandarin, Tibetan and Uyghur languages, following a period of curtailed operations due to funding cuts initiated by the previous administration. The resumption, announced this week, marks a significant shift for the U.S.-funded media outlet, which provides independent reporting to regions with limited press freedom. The move comes after Congress passed a bipartisan spending bill reinstating funding to the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the parent organization overseeing RFA and other international broadcasters.
The cuts, implemented last year, significantly impacted RFA’s ability to operate, leading to layoffs and ultimately the suspension of news operations in October. The Trump administration, through then-acting USAGM CEO Kari Lake, justified the reductions by alleging “waste of taxpayer money” and “anti-Trump bias,” claims that drew bipartisan criticism from lawmakers who warned of weakening Washington’s influence, particularly in countering China’s narrative. The reinstatement of funding, totaling $653 million for USAGM, represents a partial recovery, though it is lower than the $867 million allocated in the preceding two years, according to NBC News.
Funding Reinstatement and Operational Restart
RFA’s CEO, Bay Fang, announced the resumption of broadcasts in a LinkedIn post, stating, “We are proud to have resumed broadcasting to audiences in China in Mandarin, Tibetan, and Uyghur, providing some of the world’s only independent reporting on these regions in the local languages.” Fang clarified that the initial restart was facilitated through “private contracting with transmission services,” but emphasized the need for consistent Congressional funding to fully rebuild the network. The agency had already resumed broadcasting to audiences in Burma and North Korea in December, according to Radio Free Asia.
The funding restoration was secured through a bipartisan spending bill signed into law earlier this month. While the $653 million allocation is less than previous levels, it significantly exceeds the $153 million proposed by the Trump administration to dismantle USAGM. This financial support is crucial for RFA’s continued operation and its ability to deliver news and information to populations facing restricted access to independent media.
Geopolitical Context and US Soft Power
Radio Free Asia, along with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Marti, forms part of a network of U.S.-funded broadcasters designed to deliver news from a Western perspective to audiences in countries with limited media freedom, including China, North Korea, Russia, and Cuba. The resumption of RFA’s broadcasts to China is viewed as a reaffirmation of U.S. Commitment to promoting independent journalism and countering disinformation in the region. This is particularly relevant given China’s increasing assertiveness on the global stage and its strict control over domestic media. The broadcasts provide an alternative source of information for Chinese citizens, offering perspectives often unavailable through state-controlled outlets.
The initial funding cuts were widely criticized as a strategic misstep that ceded ground to China and other geopolitical rivals. Critics argued that weakening these broadcasters undermined U.S. Soft power and its ability to influence public opinion in strategically important regions. The reinstatement of funding signals a renewed emphasis on these tools of public diplomacy.
Recent Reporting and Ongoing Concerns
RFA’s Uyghur service recently aired a report detailing the forced labor of children of detainees in Xinjiang, highlighting the human rights concerns in the region. This type of reporting, which is often suppressed by Chinese state media, underscores the importance of RFA’s independent coverage. The Independent reported on this specific instance of reporting.
Despite the resumption of broadcasts, Fang cautioned that rebuilding the network will require sustained Congressional support. The agency is currently relying on private contracts for transmission services, a less stable and potentially less effective solution than dedicated funding. The long-term viability of RFA and its ability to fulfill its mission will depend on continued bipartisan commitment in Congress.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on rebuilding RFA’s infrastructure and expanding its reach within China. The agency will also need to navigate the increasingly sophisticated censorship and surveillance tactics employed by the Chinese government. The ongoing debate over funding levels for USAGM will likely continue, as lawmakers weigh the costs and benefits of maintaining these international broadcasting services.
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