China Expands Radio Coverage in Tibet and Xinjiang as U.S.-Sponsored Broadcasts Fade

An update from the High Frequency Coordination Conference shows a rise in short-wave broadcasts by China National Radio, especially Tibetan- and Uyghur-language services aimed at Tibet and Xinjiang. The increase follows funding cuts to the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which supports Radio Free Asia, leading to a sharp reduction in independent radio programs. Observers say China appears to be filling the information gap left by these withdrawals. The expansion comes after China National Radio was integrated into the Voice of China media group in 2018 under the central propaganda department.