For Tibetans living under CCP control, RFA and VOA are more than just news—they’re a lifeline,” says Tenzin Yangzom of the International Tibet Network. Activists warn that the suspension of these broadcasts undermines press freedom and weakens efforts to challenge China’s authoritarian grip on Tibet.
BY PC Bureau
A global alliance of 146 Tibetan organisations has issued an urgent appeal to the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), demanding the full restoration of Tibetan language services on Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA). The groups argue that these broadcasts are a lifeline for millions of Tibetans living under strict Chinese Communist Party (CCP) control, providing rare access to uncensored information amid a state-imposed media blackout.
“The shutdown of Radio Free Asia and the suspension of Voice of America’s Tibetan broadcasts are not just about lost news, but about cutting off a vital lifeline,” said Tenzin Yangzom, Campaign Coordinator at the International Tibet Network. “For millions, VOA and RFA offer more than information—they provide hope, truth, and a connection to the outside world. We urge USAGM to restore these broadcasts without delay, as a sign that America stands with those fighting for freedom and human dignity.”
16 Vietnamese American organizations urge the U.S. President and congressional leaders to continue funding Radio Free Asia (RFA) and Voice of America (VOA), particularly their Vietnamese-language services.@VOANews @RadioFreeAsia @RFAtiengviet #WeAreRFA pic.twitter.com/GLZApk8Xvo
— Viet Tan (@viettan) April 4, 2025
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Lobsang Yangtso, Asia Regional Coordinator of the International Tibet Network, also emphasized the broader impact:
“These broadcasts have long countered Beijing’s disinformation and helped preserve Tibetan language and culture. Their removal isolates Tibetans and undermines global understanding of China’s repression. Restoring them is essential not just for Tibetans, but for international accountability.”
The coalition’s letter warns that cutting these services risks emboldening the Chinese regime, weakening U.S. efforts to promote free speech and combat disinformation. RFA and VOA, they argue, have been among the few tools Tibetans have to resist China’s control and share their stories with the world.
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Calling on USAGM to act with urgency, the coalition insists that restoring the Tibetan programming is critical to maintaining America’s commitment to press freedom and standing in solidarity with the Tibetan people in their fight for rights, identity, and self-determination.
