The US government’s decision to freeze funding for groups promoting democracy in China has left activists reeling, particularly those focused on exposing abuses and advocating for minority rights.
Non-profit organizations that track Chinese human rights abuses, such as the imprisonment of dissidents and expansion of state censorship, have seen their funding halted indefinitely. The National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a key backer of these groups, was informed by Elon Musk’s government efficiency operation that it would no longer receive funding.
This move is expected to severely impact groups like China Digital Times, which monitors Chinese internet controls and censorship, and the World Uyghur Congress, which advocates for the rights of Muslim minorities in China. The group’s director, Xiao Qiang, described the funding suspension as “severely disrupted” and warned that it would threaten their ability to continue their work.
The cuts come at a critical time, with Chinese President Xi Jinping tightening control on civil society and information. Activists argue that private donors who have received funding from NED are vulnerable to Chinese retribution, making the loss of support particularly damaging.
Chinese nationalists have welcomed the move, calling it an attempt by the US to interfere in China’s internal affairs. Beijing has accused the NED of committing “evil deeds” and fomenting dissent against the government.
The National Endowment for Democracy was established to promote democracy worldwide, but its work has been seen as a threat by Beijing since its inception. The group’s grantees have included organizations such as China Digital Times, which recently exposed a Chinese state-sponsored disinformation campaign targeting a Canadian politician.
As the US retreats from global engagement, activists fear that this move will embolden Beijing to further restrict civil society and dissent in China.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/14/world/asia/us-rights-groups-doge-cuts-china.html