On June 25, China Labor Watch’s Executive Director, Li Qiang, penned an article for the Diplomat titled: “Before the US Realizes the Cost, China Is Rapidly Gaining Soft Power Ground”. The article points out that the U.S.’ cuts in funding to civil society and media outlets have weakened its influence globally, while China’s soft power continues to grow. Li argues that it is imperative that the U.S. restores funding to counter authoritarianism and to prevent the collapse of democratic institutions.
Key Takeaways:
U.S. Retreat from Global Media and Civil Society Weakens Soft Power:
The closure and partial reinstatement of VOA Persian during the Iran-Israel crisis highlights how the U.S. is undermining its own strategic communication tools. VOA, once a powerful platform, is operating at reduced capacity, signaling a broader decline in America’s global narrative influence.
Civil Society Organizations Are Crippling Under Budget Cuts:
U.S.-funded civil society organizations and media outlets—essential to promoting democracy, labor rights, and human rights—are being impacted by federal funding cuts and administrative instability. The proposed FY2026 budget would eliminate funding for key institutions like the National Endowment for Democracy.
China Is Rapidly Expanding Its Global Influence:
In contrast to the U.S. retreat, China is heavily investing in global media, education, and infrastructure through state-sponsored initiatives like the Confucius Institutes and the Belt and Road Initiative, and filling the gap in development funding.
The China Human Rights Sector Is in Crisis:
Organizations like China Labor Watch face existential threats due to both financial pressures and transnational repression from the Chinese government. A growing talent gap further threatens the sector’s sustainability.
The Stakes Are Strategic, Not Just Moral:
U.S. support for international civil society is more than humanitarian—it’s essential to counter authoritarian influence. Without long-term planning and diversified funding, the shuttering of these institutions risks permanent damage to U.S. credibility and leadership on the world stage.
Read the full article at the Diplomat: “Before the US Realizes the Cost, China Is Rapidly Gaining Soft Power Ground”
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