In a significant development for global media, Radio Free Asia announces that it has resumed its broadcasts to China, marking a comeback after severe funding disruptions last year forced the U.S.-backed outlet to scale down much of its operations.
The organization’s leadership confirmed Tuesday that programming aimed at audiences inside China is once again on air. The return follows months of uncertainty that began when funding cuts under the Trump administration dramatically impacted the broadcaster’s ability to operate.
A Sudden Halt and Political Controversy
For years, Radio Free Asia (RFA) and its sister networks — including Voice of America (VOA) — were financed through congressional allocations. Oversight was provided by the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the federal body responsible for supporting U.S. international broadcasting efforts.
However, in 2024, Kari Lake, a former news anchor appointed by Donald Trump as acting CEO of USAGM, terminated the grants that sustained RFA and related outlets. She cited concerns about alleged misuse of taxpayer funds and claims of political bias.
The move sparked immediate backlash. Media advocates and bipartisan lawmakers warned that cutting support for U.S.-funded international broadcasters could weaken America’s global voice — particularly as China expands its state-backed media presence worldwide. The funding cuts resulted in widespread layoffs and temporary shutdowns across several platforms.
Leadership Confirms Comeback
RFA President and CEO Bay Fang shared the news of the network’s revival in a public statement, expressing pride in restoring broadcasts in Mandarin, Tibetan, and Uyghur.
According to Fang, the restart became possible through private contracting arrangements for transmission services. While she did not provide specific details about the agreements, she emphasized that long-term sustainability would depend on consistent congressional funding moving forward.
The outlet now delivers some of the only independent reporting available in these languages, particularly in regions where press freedom is heavily restricted.
Funding Restored — But at a Lower Level
Earlier this month, President Trump signed a bipartisan spending bill allocating $653 million to USAGM. While this figure is lower than the $867 million appropriated annually in the previous two years, it is significantly more than the $153 million originally requested by Trump to wind down the agency entirely.
Lawmakers from both major political parties argued that dismantling U.S. international media outlets would undermine Washington’s global influence at a time when Beijing is increasing its international media footprint.
Beijing Responds
A spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington declined to weigh in on what he described as U.S. domestic policy decisions. However, he criticized RFA’s reporting record, alleging longstanding bias against China.
Chinese embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu accused the broadcaster of spreading misinformation and urged American media outlets to provide what he characterized as more balanced coverage of China and U.S.-China relations.
Notably, Chinese state media had previously welcomed the funding reductions last year.
A Long History of Investigative Reporting
Human rights advocates argue that RFA has played a crucial role for decades in highlighting alleged abuses in China and other authoritarian nations. The outlet has reported extensively on sensitive issues, including the treatment of Uyghur Muslims and restrictions on civil liberties.
On Friday, RFA spokesperson Rohit Mahajan confirmed that the organization has secured private broadcasting arrangements not only for China but also for audiences in Tibet, North Korea, and Myanmar.
Currently, RFA’s Mandarin-language audio programming is available online, with plans to resume over-the-air broadcasting soon. Tibetan, Uyghur, Korean, and Burmese radio programming has already returned via short- and medium-wave frequencies. However, satellite transmissions that were previously supported by USAGM have not yet restarted.
Looking Ahead
The revival of RFA’s broadcasts underscores the ongoing debate over the role of government-funded international media. While the restored funding offers a lifeline, the reduced budget means rebuilding will take time.
Still, with Radio Free Asia announces that it has resumed its broadcasts to China, the organization signals a renewed commitment to delivering independent reporting in regions where access to uncensored information remains limited.
