China-Focused NGOs Struggle as Trump Halts U.S. Funding

Dozens of NGOs monitoring dissent, human rights, and labor conditions in China have been forced to suspend operations and lay off staff due to a sudden halt in U.S. government funding under President Donald Trump. Many of these organizations relied heavily on American aid to document China’s ongoing crackdown on activists, minorities, and lawyers. 

Maya Wang, associate China director at Human Rights Watch, noted that many groups were unprepared for the funding freeze, assuming that U.S.-China tensions would keep these programs secure. "This will deal a heavy blow to global civil society," she warned. 

Among those affected is Freedom House, whose China Dissent Monitor—tracking over 7,000 protests since 2022—has ceased operations. The organization, which received $80 million in U.S. government grants last year, was primarily funded by Washington. Other groups, including China Labor Watch, have also suffered setbacks, with some staff members facing deportation. 

The Chinese government has long imposed restrictions on foreign-funded NGOs, making it difficult for them to operate domestically. Beijing has often accused Washington of using civil society groups to interfere in China’s internal affairs. State media recently aired a segment titled, USAID: Aid as a Pretext for Interference."

Trump’s decision to freeze most foreign aid for 90 days is part of a broader effort to slash government spending and restructure USAID, which he criticized as being run by “radical lunatics.” While some funding may be reinstated after the pause, uncertainty has left China-focused NGOs scrambling for alternative sources. 

Li Qiang, founder of China Labor Watch, admitted overreliance on U.S. funding. "We should have diversified earlier," he said. Now, these organizations must seek private donors or risk shutting down, weakening efforts to monitor China’s human rights situation.