Beijing: Beijing on Tuesday slammed the US government-backed media outlet Voice of America (VOA) for its 'notorious track record in China coverage," state media reported. The statement by the Foreign Ministry came after all full-time staff at the VOA, the largest US government-funded international broadcaster, were informed Saturday that they had been placed on administrative leave.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Foreign Ministry's remarks followed the decision by US President Donald Trump to sign an executive order the previous Friday, mandating significant budget cuts at the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM). This agency oversees VOA and other state-funded news organizations, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and Middle East Broadcasting Networks. Following the budget cuts, VOA employees were barred from accessing the headquarters in Washington, DC, with some sent home while en route. Freelancers, stringers, and those on monthly contracts were also stopped from working due to a lack of funds.

Responding to a question by reporters that some Chinese media called VOA a 'lie factory,' Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a news conference in Beijing: 'It's no secret that some US media outlets you mentioned have a notorious track record in their China coverage.' Chinese daily Global Times echoed these sentiments, calling out VOA for its "appalling track record" and describing it as "now discarded by its own government like a dirty rag."

The White House defended its move to defund USAGM, stating it would "ensure that taxpayers are no longer on the hook for radical propaganda." Global Times further criticized VOA, alleging it is known for "stirring up conflicts, inciting social divisions, and even participating in regime change efforts," labeling it as Washington's carefully crafted propaganda machine.