Here’s an informal rewrite of the article:
China has taken a jab at U.S. government-funded media outlets after President Donald Trump cut their funding, calling them “notorious” for their reporting on China. Meanwhile, Cambodia’s former leader, known for his strict rule, praised Trump’s move as a step against “fake news.”
Last week, Trump signed an order freezing funds for several outlets, including Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Asia (RFA), and Radio Free Europe, as part of broader government spending cuts.
RFA, which covers China, North Korea, and other regions with tight media restrictions, has frequently reported on issues that anger Beijing—such as human rights abuses in Xinjiang and Tibet and crackdowns on activists in Hong Kong.
When asked about Trump’s decision, China’s Foreign Ministry avoided direct comment on U.S. policies but took a swipe at the media organizations. Spokeswoman Mao Ning said, “It’s no secret that some of these U.S. outlets have a notorious track record in reporting on China.”
China’s state-run Global Times didn’t hold back either, calling VOA a “lie factory” and mocking the U.S. for “discarding it like a dirty rag.” Beijing has long criticized Western media for what it calls biased reporting and strictly controls its own domestic press.
The funding cuts also drew applause from Cambodia’s longtime ruler, Hun Sen, who has been the subject of critical coverage by VOA and RFA. He praised Trump’s move, saying it was a bold step in the fight against “fake news.”
This latest decision adds to the ongoing media tensions between China and the U.S. In 2020, Beijing ordered U.S. media outlets—including VOA—to disclose their staff and finances in China, leading to the expulsion of several American journalists. Now, with Trump pulling the plug on funding, the future of these U.S.-backed broadcasters remains uncertain.
Trump Slashes Funding for U.S. Broadcasters, China Labels Them ‘Biased’
